WA U16 Side Breaks Through for Win Against Big V Thursday, July 7, 2022 - 10:43 AM - by Mark Readings

Highly decorated junior coach Ross McQueen has enjoyed his first victory in charge of WA at the NAB AFL U16 National Championships on the Gold Coast. 

WA led by just 2 points at half time against Vic Country but kicked clear in the third quarter, booting 5 goals to 1 in wet and slippery conditions at Metricon Stadium. 

Small forward Malakai Champion gave WA a 31-point advantage during the third quarter blitz with a superb roving goal. 

The Black Swans established a 25-point break at the last change before running out 16-point winners. 

A goal square snap by Xavier Walsh was one of the highlights for WA in the final quarter. 

McQueen was delighted with the side’s triumph after a disappointing first up effort against South Australia. 

“Very happy to see the playing group gel and come together after a disappointing result last week.  

They took to the long road trip well and it’s great to come away with the result,” McQueen said. 

The ability to break the game open in the Third Quarter was significant for WA. 

“We adapted to the conditions well and played with more length in our game. 

It was great to get reward for effort, kicking 5 straight goals and having even contributors,” McQueen said. 

The performance provided a perfect response after the group had been challenged by the coach following the defeat against SA. 

“We played with more connection and were probably more aware of players strengths. 

We could clearly see players trying to bring each other into the game and celebrated the success,” he said. 

WA 9.9 63  

Vic Country 7.5 47 

BEST  

M. Champion 

C. Martinson  

T. Cathcart 

A. van der Struyf 

A. Hansen  

D. Roberts  

GOAL KICKERS ? 

C. Martinson 

M. Champion  

H. Creighton 

C. Moore 

A. Hansen 2  

X. Walsh 2  

K. Walsh  

WA finishes its NAB AFL U16 National Championship campaign against Vic Metro this Saturday in Adelaide.