WA Focusses on First Home Game Of U18 National ChampionshipsTuesday, July 19, 2022 - 10:56 AM - by Mark Readings

WA will end its U18 NAB AFL Championship campaign in Perth this weekend after being defeated by Victoria Country in Geelong on Sunday. 

The 43-point loss leaves WA winless during the Carnival after three matches. 

Coach Ben Dyer was heartened by the performance. 

“I felt we were much more competitive compared to the week before. 

We made some errors that led to goals but generally speaking, the level of effort needed to improve, and it did. 

Our players were able to respond after last week’s disappointing game in Adelaide and this was pleasing. 

We’re finding that when things look grim, our boys can get the game back and that shows a level of maturity and character,” Dyer said. 

Given the obstacles the side endured in the lead up to the game, WAFC State Talent Manager Adam Jones admired the effort of the WA players. 

“Vic Country is a very good side, and we went in with some key players out. 

We were pleased with the commitment of the team and their ability to compete across the game. 

Ultimately, the Country side was too strong, but the players can hold their heads high,” Jones said. 

WA was hit hard by Covid before the match at GMHBA Stadium. 

“I think any team which is missing a third of its best team is always going to find it challenging, which is why we had a strong focus on competing and bringing effort to the game. 

We feel like the team achieved this,” said Jones. 

Vic Country established a match-winning break of 32 points at halftime, but Jones thought there were plenty of positives after that. 

“We had a really strong third quarter which got us back into the game, but overall, our skill level was a bit down on the day which cost us at times. 

 It was great to see some players get their first opportunity. 

Koen Sanchez had a successful return from injury and Connor McDonald found some ball in his first game. 

Reuben Ginbey continued his strong carnival and Daniel Gathercole kept a dangerous forward goalless for the day,” Jones said.  

Ginbey gathered 24 disposals and a goal in his midfield role, while West Coast NGA prospect Jordyn Baker also had a productive day in the midfield with 22 touches. 

Forward Corey Tregenza-Cashell again hit the scoreboard, booting two goals in the defeat. 

WA plays its last match in the Championships against South Australia on Sunday. 

“It would be great to finish the carnival on a high. 

The players are extremely excited to get to play on Optus Stadium this weekend and we’re confident they’ll bring their best football,” Jones said.

Goals:
Vic Country: Cadman 3, Long 3, Burgiel 3, Clohesy 2, Northam 
Western Australia: Tregenza-Cashell 2, Dewar, Ginbey, Sanchez, Scaife