By ZAC MILBANK
The SA U18 Girls team has banked a second successive undefeated AFL National Championships campaign after toppling Queensland by 20 points in Game 3 at Adelaide Oval.
Defeating Western Australia (35 points) and Victoria Metro (58 points) in their opening two matches, the Croweaters backed up their flawless run last year by holding-off the fast-finishing Maroons in a hard-fought affair.
Constructing the victory with a strong second and third term, SA was forced to weather a four-goal final term from the visitors, who were playing their first match of the Championships.
Illustrating SA’s even spread of contributors across the campaign, defenders Jemma Whittington-Charity (19 disposals) and Lily Whitcombe were highly-rated by the coaches for their efforts in thwarting the Queenslanders.
India Rasheed (20 disposals, nine tackles) was her ever creative self before putting the finishing touches on the performance with a goal on the final siren, snapped from 20m.
Croweaters Captain Piper Window, Shineah Goody (27 disposals) and Elaine Grigg were also influential in the victory as Lucy Boyd and Zara Walsh booted two goals each for the hosts.
Saturday July 15
Game 3 – AFL U18 Girls National Championships
Adelaide Oval
South Australia 1.1 4.3 7.5 9.5 (59)
Queensland 0.1 1.2 2.2 6.3 (39)
BEST – SA: Jemma Whittington-Charity, Lily Whitcombe, India Rasheed, Piper Window, Elaine Grigg, Shineah Goody
GOALS – SA: Lucy Boyd, Zara Walsh 2, Sophie Eaton, India Rasheed, Elaine Grigg, Lauren Young, Melissa Anderson
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