TASMANIA VS. GOLD COAST ACADEMY
LIKELY Tasmanian draftee Chayce Jones has starred in the opening game of the NAB AFL Under 18 Academy Series at Blacktown International Sports Park on Saturday.
After trailing at quarter-time, Tasmania booted eight goals to one in the second quarter, to move to an uncatchable lead over the Gold Coast Suns Academy side, eventually running out 45-points winners.
Last weekend, 18-year-old Jones impressed in front of recruiters at the MCG against the North Melbourne VFL side, continuing his strong form in the attacking half of the ground, booting four goals to help the Mariners to a big win.
A serious injury curtailed majority of the Mariners captains bottom-age season, with a serious ankle injury requiring surgery – doctors had to insert a plate into the side of his leg near his ankle, which was screwed together.
Outside Midfielder Fraser Turner collected a match-high 34 disposals, 10 marks and seven inside 50s, aided by ruckman Tim Auckland who used his frame well around the ground and was the Mariners best player on the day.
North Melbourne Next-Generation Academy prospect Tarryn Thomas (23 disposals) did some good things throughout the mornings, continuing to put his hand up for a possible Top 10 bid.
Mariners overager Thomas Mundy and Blair Rubock both booted three goals each.
For the Suns, tall defender Caleb Grahamshowed some good signs overhead, claiming five marks for the game – repelling multiple Mariners attacks from defensive 50.
Midfielder Bailey Scott used his speed through the midfield, gathering 23 disposals, five clearances and a goal.
Scott is eligible to be drafted by three clubs (as well as having the option of entering the open draft), as the son of former Cat (132 games) and Kangaroos (111 games) player Robert Scott is eligible for father-son both clubs, as well as being part of the Gold Coast Suns academy.
194cm tall defender Dirk Koenen was the Suns’ best player for the contest, taking eight marks for the match.
Tasmania face Northern Territory in Melbourne next week, while Gold Coast will play Brisbane Lions Academy at South Pine.
TASMANIA 1.1 9.3 10.6 15.9 (99)
GOLD COAST 2.1 3.2 5.5 8.6 (54)
GOALS
TASMANIA: Jones 4, Rubock 3, Mundy 3, Dakin 2, Banks-Smith 2, O’Neill
GOLD COAST: Smith 2, Burke, Conroy, Graham, Greenwool, Lowah, Scott
BEST
TASMANIA: Auckland, Turner, Jones, House, McGuinness, Gadomski
GOLD COAST: Koenen, Smith, McDonald, Scott, Graham