Tasmania under-16s show off class and skill in thumping win over Northern Territory

Glenorchy’s young guns have shown their skills on the big stage as Tasmania took control from start to finish against the Northern Territory in the under-16s AFL National Championships. Read what happened.

Young Max Gulliver has shown exactly why he could be the next big thing out of Tasmania and the silky onballer helped the Devils claim a 70-point victory over the NT.

Gulliver started on ball and despite his in and under game style, he went forward at times helping himself to a bag of four goals in the 16.12 (108) to 6.2 (38) Under-16s AFL National Development Championships victory.

It was goal for goal to start the match up between Tasmania and NT before the Devils booted 4.5 in the second quarter to blow the game wide open.

Tasmania Devils Talent Pathway against Northern Territory. Picture: Supplied

Young Lucas Heazlewood booted three goals and was just as important as the crafty goal sneak showcased his skill throughout the match.

The Territory’s tackling pressure was on show at times throughout the game but the rebound skill of Tassie was unmatched as well as the ability to lock it in the offensive half.

A 6.3 third term for the Devils to shut-out any real hope of an NT comeback as Tassie put the game well out of reach holding onto a 61-point lead at the final break.

NT’s on-ballers used their pace at times and looked to have the ability to carve through the defence of Tassie’s midfielders but it was the Maps back six who stood tall when it mattered.

The Devils had three multiple goal kickers in the 70-point victory as they piled on 3.4 to 2.1 in the quarter.

NT’s Mazlan Patrick will have a nervous wait as he copped a kick to the left leg and was helped from the ground late in the fourth quarter.

Tassie will now travel to Gold Coast to take on the Suns Academy on July 14.

WATCH THIS KID

Glenorchy’s Max Gulliver is going to be a very good recruit when it comes to his time to shine on the big stage. The midfield/forward showed why he is one of the best young prospects coming through the Devils pathways with a brilliant four goal performance but it was also his onballer pressure, tackling and smart ball movement by foot and hand which set him above the rest of the players from both sides.

Max Gulliver guernsey presentation. Picture: AFL Tasmania

MIDFIELD SPEED

Players from the Northern Territory have been applauded for their speed and ability to follow up and Monday’s matchup against Tassie was no different with the midfield of Gary Lawford, Deacon Summerville and Jarry Sambo all showcasing their skills and foot speed throughout the wet and slippery conditions. At times the NT midfield almost made it look like it was dry whether footy as they ran across the field with the dominance of their dual ruck combo setting them up throughout stoppages all over the ground.

SMALL WINS

It was a matter of moments throughout the opening quarter which made it look like this game was going to be a lot closer than it ended up being. The NT coaching staff will look back at a few moments in the first half where their side will be happy with those wins, second efforts as well as the 31-22 hit outs but there are a few areas where they will go back and look at to ensure they are back to the best as expected when they take on GWS Academy on Monday July 14.

TAS: 3.0 7.5 10.8 16.12 (108)

NT: 2.1 3.1 4.1 6.2 (38)

TAS: Gulliver, Whitney, Clemons, Husband, Dawkins, Johnson

NT: Herold, Lawford, Summerville, Sambo, Timms, Barnard

TAS: Gulliver 4, Heazlewood 3, Redman 2, Alomes, Bearman, Freeland, Fuglsang, Glover, Husband, Oliver 1.

NT: Mallard, Campbell-Shields, Smiler, Timms, Rock, Trigwell

Tasmania’s best players

5. Max Gulliver

This young midfielder who went forward and booted four goals showed exactly why he is one of the best young prospects coming out of Tasmania. His skill by foot and hand matched with his leg speed and footy smarts is what set him above the rest of the players from both sides.

Lucas Heazlewood guernsey presentation. Picture: AFL Tasmania

1. Lucas Heazlewood

The young goal sneak may have booted three goals himself but it was more of what he did around the feet of his key forwards and his forward pressure which has made him a young player to watch in years to come.

Benjamin Russell guernsey presentation. Picture: AFL Tasmania

6. Benjamin Russell

It has been a breakout year for the under-16 who has debuted in his first league game for Lauderdale which looked to have helped him by almost looking like he had slowed the game around him. Another young gun who will be a very big player to watch.

Northern Territory best players

22. Gary Lawford

Lawford showcased his pace and skill through the midfield and was arguably best on ground for the NT. With the move to Melbourne, the silky left footer could very well see himself on an AFL list in a couple of years.

16. Isaac Herold

The tall man was pivotal in the ruck around the ground giving his midfielders every opportunity to get their hands on the footy first, a big opportunity for Herold to turn some heads this year.

18. Hugo Timms

Another big man who chopped in and out with Herold but played a brilliant role through the midfield as a ruckman but also a big sized onballer as well.