The Deppro WA State 18s recorded their second victory of the NAB AFL National Championships with a 40-point win over the Allies at Leederville Oval today, June 25.
Western Australia defeated the Allies, consisting of the best players from the NAB AFL Academy Series, 12.12 (84) to to 6.8 (44).
WA controlled the play early, with Claremont’s Callan England collecting 13 possessions in the first quarter on his way to a game-high 26. Jaxon Cahill (East Perth) and Brayden Ainsworth (Subiaco) had 23 disposals each.
However, WA didn’t make an impact on the scoreboard until the second quarter when Ian Hill (Perth) and Oliver Eastland (Claremont) both kicked their second goals to extend WA’s lead to 25 points at half time.
The Allies hit back with three consecutive goals in the third term and reduced the margin to 9 points before WA steadied with a late goal to Lachlan Mitchell (Peel Thunder) to push the lead back out to 16 points at the last break.
WA then took control in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Allies four goals to one to seal the win.
Ian Hill, Oliver Eastland, Oscar Allen and Brandon Starcevich kicked two goals each for WA.
State 18s scoreboard
WA 2.2 6.5 8.6 12.12 (84)
Allies 1.7 2.4 5.8 6.8 (44)
WA goals: Hill, Eastland, Allen, Starcevich 2, Mitchell, Cahill, Cramer, Ameduri 1. WA best: England, Cahill, Eastland, Boullineau, Ameduri, Starcevich.
Allies goals: Crossley 2, Dixon, Scott, Sambono, Simington 1. Allies best: Crossley, Ballenden, Powell, Carr, Notting
State 16s and 17s
The Deppro WA State 16s also recorded a win after a thrilling comeback against South Australia earlier in the day. After trailing by 18 points mid-way through the fourth quarter, WA kicked the last four goals of the game to win by a goal 12.13-85 to 11.13-79.
Rhai Arn Cox kicked the sealer after taking a mark in the goal square with less than two minutes left, which followed goals from Tarkyn Brogan-Henry, Jack Buller and Anthony Davis.
Davis had 23 touches to go with his three goals, while Riley Garcia collected 21 possessions and kicked one goal and Jack Buller had 15 possessions and one goal.
The State 17s were defeated by South Australia 13.7 (85) to 11.10 (76) in their game at HBF Arena on Saturday.