AFL Under 18 Championships: All the standouts and key stats from WA v Vic Country

A smooth-moving West Australian midfielder has caught the eye in his state’s final under-18 carnival match – but he couldn’t match the dominance of highly-touted Victorian. See all the standouts.

Western Australia’s late charge wasn’t enough to surge ahead of Vic Country as the Sandgropers suffered an 11-point loss at Revo Fitness Stadium.

Desperate for another win in their final game of the under 18 national championships, WA threatened a come-from-behind victory against the visitors but were undone by inaccuracy, kicking 2.8 as Vic Country prevailed 11.11 (77) to 9.12 (66).

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A scrappy first quarter was quickly forgotten as the two sides fought out an intriguing three quarter battle, trading momentum with each other on a gloomy Saturday morning.

Vic Country midfielder Harvey Langford was the most prolific player on the ground, finishing with 28 touches and five marks in a powerful display in the midfield. While Bo Allan underlined his draft credentials with 22 disposals for WA.

Hamish Davis kicked three goals for WA up forward while Vic Country midfielder Xavier Lindsay finished with a game high eight clearances.

Alixander Tauru produced the highlight of the day with a massive pack mark in the third quarter, hanging in the air for a good few seconds as he used WA as a stepladder.

Hugh Boxshall was a standout for WA on Saturday. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos

Scouting Notes

Hugh Boxshall (WA)

21 disposals, five marks, three clearances

A smooth mover in the midfield, Boxshall seems to slow time down when he has the footy in hand. Is a great size at 187cm and was surprisingly clean in traffic, dodging and weaving his way through congestion. Hit the scoreboard from a set shot in the third quarter and works well from inside to outside. Also strong around clearances.

Bo Allan (WA)

22 disposals, seven tackles, four clearances

No fuss operator. Allan is a traditional footballer. He applies physical pressure, stands up in tackles and does the little things well. But he’s also flashy and athletic. Playing as an inside midfielder again, Allan burst through congestion on several occasions yet he’s also nimble and changes direction nicely. Also had a goal assist in the third quarter when he set up Max Rohr. A nice mix of power and finesse, Allan is tipped to be the first West Australian to go in the draft for good reason.

Cody Curtin (WA)

17 disposals, four marks

The younger brother of Adelaide’s Dan Curtin, Cody looks like he’s on the same trajectory. Not draft eligible until 2025 but Curtin didn’t look out of place deep in defence for WA. Playing on Jack Whitlock for large patches, Curtin took a few nice intercept marks playing in front. Also got involved further up the ground, overlapping with his teammates on the far wing and putting his skills to good use.

Wesley Walley booted two goals against Vic Country. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos

Wes Walley (WA)

Two goals, eight disposals, five marks

A bottom age player who is not draft eligible until 2025, the West Coast NGA product is an impact player and had a few big moments in his first U18 hitout. Opened his account with a ripping diving tackle in the first quarter. Went back with the flight in the second quarter with a brave marking attempt and had his first goal a short time later, getting in behind Vic Country’s defence and running into an open goal. Poised and smart with the footy in hand at half-forward, Walley will be one to watch next year and he’s got one of the best names in footy.

Kayle Gerreyn (WA)

14 disposals, six marks, one goal, 14 hitouts

Simply powerful in the air. Raked in a strong contested mark in the first quarter and kicked WA’s opening goal a short time later after leading up at the kicker. Split his time between the forward line and ruck, rotating with Aiden Riddle. Missed a chance on goal in the final term but was everywhere in the air, reeling in several big marks. Solidly built and looks to be West Perth’s best draft chance.

Harvey Langford had the most disposals on the ground. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos

Harvey Langford (Vic Country)

28 disposals, eight marks, five clearances

A powerful display in the midfield, winning more disposals than anyone on the ground. Ran hard attacking patterns and got out the front of stoppage where possible, sending the ball inside 50 to his teammates. Got busy around stoppages and won his fair share of clearances and also applied strong tackling pressure. Took a relieving mark back with the flight late in the final term when WA was surging. Arguably best on ground.

Xavier Lindsay (Vic Country)

18 disposals, eight clearances, six tackles

An impressive display around the ball from the young midfielder, looking like one of his side’s most dangerous players at times. The Gippsland Power captain was hungry around the footy, applying strong tackle pressure. But his clearance game was a highlight, winning more than any player on the ground.

Joe Berry (Vic Country)

Two goals, 13 disposals, four marks

A polished display from the small forward, kicking an equal-team high two goals. But his work rate stood out, pushing hard up the ground before trying to catch his defender out on the sprint back inside 50. Good footy smarts and made the most of his opportunities.

Originally published as AFL Under 18 Championships: All the standouts and key stats from WA v Vic Country