AAMI SA U18 Team defeat Allies in Game 2

By ZAC MILBANK

The AAMI SA U18 Team opened its account in fine style with a barnstoming 66-point victory against the Allies in Game 2 of the Marsh AFL National Championships at Alberton Oval.

Coming off a 12-point loss to Western Australia in Game 1, the Croweaters produced a stunning seven-goal second term blitz to remain in contention with a 1-1 win-loss record.

Managing just four behinds in the first quarter, Tony Bamford’s charges let loose to transform a five-point quarter-time deficit into a commanding 35-point lead at half-time.

By the final change, SA had effectively slammed the door shut on the visitors by establiishing a 59-point break in impressive fashion.

Reliable defender Mitch Harris was rated by the coaching staff as the Croweaters’ best performer while key forward Jack Slattery announced himself with a six-goal haul.

Slattery, who booted six straight from his 13 disposals and five marks, nailed his sixth after the final siren from a 50m set shot near the boundary line.

Fellow forwards Charlie Bradford (four goals) and Anthony Long (three goals) were equally dangerous as they formed a formidable three-prong attack.

Captain Kodah Edwards put on a classy display with 27 disposals, five clearances and six tackles while fellow midfielder Memphis Webb was again influential with 27 disposals and six tackles.

South Australia will now prepare for its final two games of the Championships with away clashes against Victoria Metro (Friday July 3) and Victoria Country (Wednesday July 8).

South Australia  0.4  7.7  12.10  16.13 (109)

Allies   1.3  2.3  3.5   6.7 (43)

BEST – SA: Mitchell Harris, Jack Slattery, Memphis Webb, Kodah Edwards, Anthony Long, Hugo Jaeschke, Ethan Herbert.

GOALS – SA: Jack Slattery 6, Charlie Bradford 4, Anthony Long 3, Kai Ivins, Kodah Edwards, Ethan Herbert.

At Alberton Oval