South Australia fights back from three-goal deficit to stay unbeaten in AFL under-18 championships

SOUTH Australia yesterday fought back from 16 points behind to beat Vic Country and stay on track for its first AFL under-18 division one championship title since 2014.

Potential No.1 draft pick Jack Lukosius in action for South Australia against Vic Country at Adelaide Oval. Picture: AAP

SOUTH Australia yesterday fought back from 16 points behind to beat Vic Country and stay on track for its first AFL under-18 division one title since 2014.

A high-powered forward line proved the difference as the Croweaters overcame the second quarter deficit at Adelaide Oval to win by 27 points.

Potential No.1 draft pick Jack Lukosius, fellow top-five prospect Izak Rankine and Hugo Munn all bagged three goals while the midfield — beaten early — lifted after half-time to provide the star attacking trio with more opportunities to showcase their immense talent.

SA kicked four goals to none in the decisive third quarter to gain a stranglehold on the match. The Croweaters, who thrashed Western Australia by 89 points in the opening round, are one of only two unbeaten teams with two rounds remaining, along with Vic Metro which beat the Allies by two points with a late goal at Southport on Saturday.

It was a second consecutive even team performance from the Croweaters, with the forwards sharing the goals around, Jackson Hately, Luke Valente (14 tackles), Kai Pudney (a team-high 21 disposals) and Tom Lewis having an influence and Jez McLennan and Will Gould providing plenty of rebound from defence.

Highly-rated onballer Sam Walsh — a contender to be taken at pick one — was a standout for Vic Country with 25 disposals and 10 tackles.

SA’s final two games are in Victoria against the Allies in Geelong on June 29 and Vic Metro at Etihad Stadium on July 4.