The junior representatives who stunned in interleague battle

A host of Tasmania’s best junior footballers have gone head-to-head in representative games across the weekend. See which young stars caught the eye.

It was the classic north versus south rivalry and these young up and coming talented footballers left nothing in the tank when they locked horns on Sunday and Monday.

The four games across the two days were played at NTCA Ground in Launceston where the slippery and muddy conditions created scrappy and fierce contests.

Check out how the games went.

NTJFA Under 17 Girls v STJFL Under 16 Girls

NTJFA Zoe Kingsley – Under 17s – named player of the game

The NTJFA under-17s girls walked away as the only side from their region to claim a win. The opening game y saw NTJFA run away comprehensive winners with a 6.7 (43) to 2.2 (14) victory. The NTJFA never looked threatened as they kicked away in the first quarter, keeping STJFL scoreless. Forward Alani Nichols was the only multiple goal kicker on the day with two goals for NTJFA. A 3.1 to one goal put the game to bed in the third quarter as the STJFL couldn’t go with the NTJFA. Prospect’s Zoe Kingsley was named NTJFA’s best on ground after a stellar performance. Rozalia Arnold, Stella Moore, Casey Bumford, Maddie Donaghy, Lucie Bignell and Leila Callinan were named in the best for their side.

NTJFA v STJFL – Under 16 Boys

NTJFA Josh Kirby – Under 16s – named player of the game

In the second game on Sunday, STJFL put NTJFA to the sword in the under-16s boys clash, taking out a 48-point victory. Inspired by a five-goal haul by Zac Barwin, the STJFL were too strong from start to finish to claim a 12.14 (86) to 6.2 (38) victory. STJFL kept their rivals scoreless in the opening quarter but were challenged in the second quarter despite still extending their lead holding a 24-point lead at half time. Aydan Bailey booted two goals for STJFL while Jack Walker was NTJFA’s leading goal kicker with two himself. A third quarter blitz was what put the game to bed as STJFL won their first game of the weekend and levelled the rivalry 1-1. South Launceston’s Josh Kirby was named NTJFA’s best player while Barwin’s five-card trick earned him STJFL’s best. Other impressive players for the south side included Lincoln Penney, Ashton Haw, Joshua Oliver, Eli Bott and Luke Allen.

NTJFA v STJFL – Under 14 Girls

NTJFA – Skylah Heihei – Under 14 – named player of the game

In a low scoring affair, STJFL claimed an incredible victory coming from behind to claim a nine-point triumph. Scoring just one point in the first quarter, the STJFL girls hit the lead in the second quarter after trailing by 13 points to run out eventual winners 3.4 (22) to 2.1 (13). NTJFA were kept goalless after half time as the two teams battled through wet and tough conditions. Ruck Grace Vincent kicked the sealer for STJFL with some brilliant ruck craft in the forward pocket late in the final quarter. Leading by just three points, Vincent used her height and build to out muscle her direct opponent to grab the ball out of the ruck and quickly get it on the boot to kick the final goal of the match. Longford’s Skylah Heihei was named NTJFA’s best player. Pippa Blackler was named best in the winning effort.

NTJFA V STJFL – Under 14 Boys

NTJFA – Austen Freeland – Under 14 – named player of the game

A four-goal first half wasn’t enough for NTJFA to level the ledger as rivals STJFL came from behind to claim a 14-point victory. NTJFA held a four-point lead at the main break but were kept goalless in the second half as STJFL ran over them to hold onto a 6.7 (43) to 4.5 (29) victory. North Hobart’s Lucas Jones kicked the opening goal of the match with a roost from the centre square before kicking his second later in the match. But the highlight of the day came in the first quarter from young Hudson Cusick who channelled his inner Eddie Betts booting a goal on a right foot snap from the pocket. NTJFA’s Mylo Cottam had an equal game high two-goals with Jones. South Launceston’s Austen Freeland was named player of the match for NTJFA. Patrick Honner, Jack Illingworth and Frank Fuglsang impressed in the win.

Originally published as The junior representatives who stunned in interleague battle