Exciting draft prospects Christian Petracca and Patrick McCartin among 12 Victorians to earn All-Australian honours

EASTERN Ranges prospect Christian Petracca leads a strong Victorian contingent in the U18 All-Australian team named today.

under 18 players, Christian Petracca & Paddy McCartin, Etihad Atadium

EASTERN Ranges star Christian Petracca leads a strong Victorian contingent in the U18 All-Australian team named today.

The big-bodied midfield utility is one of 12 Victorians — including seven from U18 Championships runners-up Vic Metro to make the 22-man squad.

Petracca won the Larke Medal, awarded to the best division one player in the championships.

He collected a team-high 17 disposals - 10 contested - Metro’s loss to South Australia.
The squad includes five bottom-age players not eligible for this year’s draft.

Collingwood father-son prospect Darcy Moore was clear selection at centre-half forward after his standout championships.

Vic Country spearhead Patrick McCartin, rated a potential No. 1 pick, was named at full-forward despite missing games during the championships with a quad strain.

Peter Wright, a versatile big man in the Joe Daniher mould, was named in the ruck, while Angus Brayshaw slots in on a back flank.

Pint-sized South Australian forward Caleb Daniel was the bolter of the side after missing the early rounds of the carnival, he collected 48 disposals and kicked six goals in the final two rounds to get a guernsey.

Highly-rated utility Hugh Goddard, Brendon’s second cousin, was a notable omission after a disappointing championships.

South Australia produced four All-Australians, while division two New South Wales/ACT turned out three including Sydney Swans-bound Isaac Henney.

NSW/ACT coach Jason Saddington was rewarded for his side’s strong carnival with nomination as the All-Australian coach.

Players will now return to their club sides ahead of October’s draft combine and the national draft in November.

Vic Metro star Angus Brayshaw in action during the U18 Championships. Picture: Colleen Petch

2014 UNDER-18 ALL AUSTRALIAN TEAM

B: Harrison Wigg (South Australia), Ed Vickers-Willis (VicMetro), Josh McGuinness (Tasmania)

HB: Darcy Tucker (VicCountry), Caleb Marchbank (VicCountry), Angus Brayshaw (VicMetro)

C: Paul Ahern (VicMetro), Christian Petracca (VicMetro), Billy Stretch (South Australia)

HF: Callum Mills (NSW/ACT), Darcy Moore (VicMetro), Rhys Mathieson (Vic Country)

FF: Jayden Laverde (VicMetro), Patrick McCartin (VicCountry), Caleb Daniel (South Australia)

Foll: Peter Wright (VicMetro), Isaac Heeney (NSW/ACT), Jake Johansen (South Australia)

Int: Jack Steele (NSW/ACT), Darcy Parish (VicCountry), Ben Keays (Queensland), Connor Blakely (Western Australia)

Coach: Jason Saddington (NSW/ACT)

Assistant Coach: Brenton Phillips (South Australia)

Originally published as Exciting draft prospects Christian Petracca and Patrick McCartin among 12 Victorians to earn All-Australian honours