Back to back for SA young guns
Winners are grinners - the SA team. Image by Peter Argent
The SA Under-18 team has claimed consecutive AFL National Championships after holding off Victoria Metro by just nine points at Simonds Stadium on Thursday.
Losing just one match throughout the six-game carnival, the Croweaters were seriously challenged by the hosts but responded with a fine display of team football which proved too strong.
Led by star midfielders Caleb Daniel (21 possessions at 86 per cent efficiency and three goals), Billy Stretch and Alex Neal-Bullen, the Croweaters backed up last year’s drought-breaking title in gutsy fashion.
‘’It was really good for this playing group,’’ SANFL high performance manager Brenton Phillips said.
‘’Each (playing group) is different but this playing group really ground it out. It probably didn’t have the out-and-out stars but their ability to work through the contests, work to a game plan and adhere to instructions was outstanding.
‘’There’s a very bright future in this group.’’
Sturt goalsneak Josh Hone was a live wire in attack kicking four goals for the visitors while James Rose also played an important role, kicking the sealer from 15m with less than a minute on the clock.
After a promising start, SA built a 16-point lead at the first change with Hone kicking two goals in the opening 20 minutes.
But their arch-rivals were determined to get back into the contest, kicking four goals to one in the second stanza to draw level at the main change.
Phillips threw joint vice-captain Sam Durdin into defence in a straight swap for defender Jack Hayes and the move started to pay dividends.
Despite leading by just five points at the final change, SA matched it with the fast finishing Victorians in the final term with only one point between the teams 14 minutes in.
But when Rose managed to kick truly from the pocket with less than 60 seconds left to play the only thing left to do was celebrate another South Australian triumph.
North Adelaide defender Harrison Wigg was named SA’s MVP of the tournament for his consistent displays across half-back.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA 4.1 5.6 8.8 11.13 (79)
VIC METRO 1.3 5.6 7.9 10.10 (70)
Goals: South Australia: Hone 4 Daniel 3 Carey 2 Read Rose. Vic Metro: Laverde 3 Miller 2 Ahern Moore Payne Castagna De Goey.
Best: South Australia: Daniel Hone Neal-Bullen Stretch Rose Carey. Vic Metro: Laverde De Goey Petracca Ahern Miller Brayshaw.
At Simonds Stadium.
