South Australia ends its under-18 national championships with a win
South Australia has wrapped its under-18 national championships with a strong win over Allies.
South Australia has ended its under-18 national championships on a high, triumphing over the Allies at Marvel Stadium.
Despite beating eventual champions Western Australia, losses to Vic Metro and Vic Country — by just one point — meant Wednesday’s game was largely for players to push their draft credentials in front of recruiters in Melbourne.
SA made a good start to the match, opening up a 14-point lead at the first break and didn’t look back despite a strong finish from the Allies team, made up of players outside of Victoria, SA and WA, to win 9.12 (66) to 7.7 (49).
SA coach Tony Bamford said he was pleased with the effort, which gave his side a two-win two-loss record.
“It was a good response,” he told The Advertiser.
Captain Will Gould was the best on for SA, with a 25-disposal and six-mark game from the 191cm half back who has a raking right-footy kick.
Norwood’s Dylan Stephens was the major ball winner for SA, ending up with 33 with Woodville West Torrens’ Harry Schoenberg — who has had his stocks soar at this year’s national championships — also impressing.
Bamford said Schoenberg, who was named SA’s best player of the championships had a breakout few games.
“He has really grown in the draft order,” Bamford said.
“Full credit to Harry he was able to show his class and really make an impact.”
Kysaiah Pickett, nephew of Port Adelaide’s 2004 Norm Smith Medallist Byron, also had a fine game amassing 22 possessions and a goal.
Lachlan Burrows, of Sturt, was the only South Australian to kick multiple goals in the 17-point win.