Match Report – WA U19s impress v SASaturday, August 28, 2021 - 4:16 PM - by Chris Pike

WESTERN Australia's exciting crop of young talent have put on an impressive show on Saturday afternoon in a strong 29-point NAB U19s Championships win against South Australia.

The game at Lathlain's Mineral Resources Park was the first of the NAB U19s Championships for 2021 and there was plenty to like from the strong pool of young West Australian talent who have been plying their trade this colts season at their WAFL club more regularly than usual.

There is great excitement surrounding this group of teenagers looking ahead to this year's NAB AFL Draft and you could see that on show as the afternoon unfolded at Mineral Resources Park.

They combined well as a team while a host of individuals delivered standout performances in the eventual 9.13 (67) to 5.8 (38) victory.

Brady Hough and Jye Amiss kicked two goals apiece for WA with one each to Jesse Motlop, Kade Dittmar, Ethan Regan, Jack Williams and Lochie Paton.

Captain Finn Gorringe produced a good performance down back for the Black Swans with Jacob Van Rooyen impressive at centre half-back as part of a strong defensive unit.

Jake South did well in the ruck for the Sandgropers while through the middle Kade Dittmar did plenty of good things to live up to his potential. Taj Woewodin, Corey Warner and Angus Sheldrick all had their moments too but really it was an impressive team WA performance.

South Australia's goals were courtesy of Stagg, Roberts, Draper, Horne-Francis and Becker.

While a full NAB U19s Championships won't be possible due to the COVID-19 lockdowns and subsequent border restrictions, the border between Western Australia and South Australia allowed for a game to be played between the two states on Saturday.

WA got on top in the first quarter kicking the only three goals to open up proceedings impressively. It was Jye Amiss, Jesse Motlop and Brady Hough who managed to kick truly for the Black Swans.

WA was able to kick the first goal of the second term too when the highly touted Kade Dittmar converted well from a set shot in the forward pocket.

However, South Australia managed to get on the board and play their best football of the afternoon with the next two goals of the game thanks to Hugh Stagg and Matthew Roberts, the latter courtesy of a 50m penalty.

But just before half-time, WA responded when Amiss kicked a second goal of the half and the home team went into the major break leading by 19 points.

The Sandgropers took further control of the contest in the third quarter holding the Croweaters goalless with Hough managing to kick a second and then Ethan Regan his first. When Williams goaled on the siren, WA's lead was out to a commanding 43 points by three quarter-time.

To South Australia's credit they fought the game out strongly with three goals in the last quarter and just the one to WA thanks to Lochie Paton with the home side going on to score the 29-point win in the finish.

NAB RISING STARS – U19 CHAMPIONSHIPS

WESTERN AUSTRALIA        3.2    5.6    8.12    9.13 (67)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA        0.2    2.5    2.5    5.8 (38)

WA: Goals – Hough, Amiss 2; Motlop, Dittmar, Regan, Williams, Paton.
SA: Goals – Stagg, Roberts, Draper, Horne-Francis, Becker.