Deppro WA State 18s defeat Vic CountryFriday, June 30, 2017 - 2:53 PM

The Deppro WA State 18s defeated Victoria Country by 29 points in their final game of the 2017 NAB AFL National Championships at Etihad Stadium on Friday June 30.

In a great team effort, WA got off to a strong start and fought off a Vic Country comeback in the second half to see their hard work pay off with their third win of the four-round Championships.

WA were led by hard running from Jake Patmore (32 disposals), Brayden Ainsworth (27), Tom Joyce (22) and Callan England (22), as well as great rebound from defense by co-captain Aaron Naughton and Jaxon Cahill and a solid all-round contribution from Brandon Starcevich (22 disposals and 8 tackles).

Sam Taylor and Durak Tucker were also solid in defense for WA, while Ian Hill’s ball use and forward line pressure was excellent as he showcased his talent with 25 possessions and seven marks, while also setting up several passages of play that resulted in goals.

Jarrad Fazioli (4 goals) and Oscar Allen (3 goals) both capitalized in the forward line, with two of Fazioli’s goals coming in the second quarter to steady WA after Vic Country had closed within 10 points. 

Allen’s third goal was also important, coming after a strong mark on the goal line that went against the flow of the game and put momentum back in WA’s favour following a spirited fight-back from Vic Country.

After leading by 29 points at half time, WA saw their lead pegged back to 15 points in the third term before Fazioli steadied the ship again with his fourth goal after receiving a free kick in a marking contest.

Vic Country controlled play again at the beginning of the fourth quarter and were threatening in front of goal but innacurate under consistent pressure from the WA defenders.

WA then added three late goals to extend the margin to 29 points and seal the win. 

Photo: Oscar Allen celebrates one of his three goals. By: AFL Media

WA        3.4          6.7          8.8          12.10 (82)

VC          1.1          2.2          6.5          7.11 (53)

WA goals: Fazioli 4, Allen 3, Stack 1, Ainsworth 1, Cramer 1, West 1, Young 1.

VC goals: Daniels 2, Dow 1, O'Brien 1, Davies-Uniacke 1, Quigley 1, Williams 1.