AFL recruiters take note of Tasmanian Mitch O’Neill in national under-18 championship at Launceston

Playing on a wing, Tasmanian Mitch O’Neill, 18, made his opportunity count to impress the posse of AFL recruiters in the stands at UTas Stadium in the national under-18 championship

Under-18s national champs Allies v Vic Country. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

THE Allies were smashed by 97 points by a ruthless Vic Country in their opening match of the AFL’s national under-18 championship in Launceston yesterday but Tasmanian Mitch O’Neill walked away a winner.

Playing on a wing, O’Neill, 18, made his opportunity count to impress the posse of AFL recruiters in the stands at UTas Stadium.

State youth talent guru Mathew Armstrong says they would have written plenty of notes about the teenage Tasmania Devils onballer.

“He’s all class. He did some really good stuff,” said Armstrong, who was bench coach for the Allies.

“Mitch attacked the ball really well and he looked a real class act out there.

“His ball use by foot was really good at times, he created overlap — he was very good.

“I have no doubt the recruiters would have taken note of his performance.

“They know a fair bit about Mitch already but he’s had an injury for a while and he’s only just starting to get going again but today he showed he’s back.”

O’Neill in is AFL Draft contention this year, while Tasmania’s two non-draftable 17-year-old Allies, Oliver Davis and Sam Collins, also got to experience championship football.

“It would have been the fastest game they’ve ever played in,” Armstrong said.

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