SA U18 Team defeated by Western Australia

By ZAC MILBANK

South Australia was unable to peg back Western Australia’s fast start as it lost Game 3 of the Marsh AFL U18 National Championships at Alberton Oval on Sunday.

The Sandgropers piled on 6.3 to the Croweaters’ 1.2 in the opening quarter to instantly put the visitors on the back foot.

WA’s efficiency proved pivotal in the result as it finished with 18.7 (115) to SA’s 6.12 (48) despite having one fewer inside 50m entry for the contest.

South Australia now has a 1-2 win-loss record after defeating the Allies in Game 1, followed by consecutive losses to Victoria Country and the Sandgropers.

SA crumber Evan Bradley booted his team’s first goal of the game with a great snap from the feet of fellow forward Tyler Welsh, before making the most of a free kick in the second term to boot SA’s second.

Ned Bowman injected himself into the contest with a nice set shot goal from 40m in the third term, before booting SA’s final two majors of the game in the fourth quarter.

Versatile Thomas McKay impressed SA’s coaching staff to be named best player while Lucas Camporeale found plenty of the ball on his wing to finish with 29 disposals, five tackles and five marks.

Jacob Newton (13 disposals, one goal, three clearances) continues to play a vital connection role from the midfield to the forward line for the Croweaters while Louis Montgomery caught the eye with 14 disposals and five marks.

Emerging ruckman Alex Dodson backed up his fine performance in Game 2 with 20 disposals, five clearances and 22 hit outs to again state his case as one to watch.

The Croweaters will now return to Alberton Oval to host Victoria Metro on Sunday June 30 to conclude their National Championship campaign.

Western Australia  6.3  9.4  12.6  18.7 (115)

South Australia  1.2  3.6  4.9  6.12 (48)

BEST – SA: Thomas McKay, Lucas Camporeale, Jacob Newton, Ned Bowman, Louie Montgomery, Alex Dodson

GOALS – SA: Ned Bowman 3, Evan Bradley 2, Jacob Newton

At Alberton Oval, Adelaide