a day ago
AFL Draft: Western Australia fall breathtakingly short of upsetting talent-filled Allies
Western Australia's under-18s side fell narrowly short of upsetting a talent-filled Allies, going down by five points in the dying minutes at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
Weeks after being thumped by 2025 champions South Australia, the Black Swans led for most of the game against a wayward Allies only to concede a late goal and lose 10.19 (79) to 11.8 (74).
Sydney academy prospect Max King (two goals) held his nerve after a tough performance in front of goal to kick the match-winner with just minutes on the clock before their backline held strong late to hold off a fighting WA.
East Perth forward Luke Hallett booted three majors for WA in an impressive showing, while West Coast next generation academy prospect Wes Walley was excellent overhead and constant threat up forward, kicking two goals to go with eight score involvements.
Inside midfielder Sam Swadling (23 disposals, four tackles and a goal) was a standout in the middle for the Black Swans with top draft prospects Toby Whan (11 touches and a goal) and Fred Rodriguez (13 disposals) unusually quiet.
Perth defender Dale Sutherland had his best game for the championships so far with a game-high eight intercept possessions from his 19 disposals, while half-back Jacob Farrow racked up a game-high 30 disposals and six intercepts in a classy display.
The Allies who are stacked with talent from the controversial northern academies went in as heavy favourites.
Brisbane-linked midfielder Daniel Annable was almost unstoppable with 25 disposals, five clearances and a goal, while Gold Coast hopeful Koby Coulson who had 27 touches, six tackles and six clearances.
Dylan Patterson (20 disposals) showed his electric pace that would have the Suns excited while Swans prospect Lachlan Carmichael was composed with 22 uncontested possessions.
While at times the Allies looked the superior side with their spread from the contest and skill, their goalkicking was woeful.
When WA were able to break into space with run and carry they looked dangerous but most importantly they made the most of their opportunities.
Unfortunately, they could not find a way to kick a goal in the final quarter with several late misses hurting them as the Allies secured an important win.
WA will now prepare to host Vic Metro in Perth on Sunday in their final game of the Under-18 National Championships.
SCOREBOARD
ALLIES 3.7, 5.10, 8.13, 10.19 (79)
WEST AUSTRALIA 4.1, 7.3, 11.5, 11.8 (74)
Goals – ALLIES: M King 2 D Annable R Hamilton B Kane T McMillan J Miller T Prindable K White L Wootton. WEST AUSTRALIA: L Hallett 3 W Walley 2 B Kelly R Luke T Phillips S Swadling T Whan T Williams.
Best – ALLIES: D Annable K Coulson L Carmichael D Patterson T Pindable H Wilson. WEST AUSTRALIA: J Farrow D Sutherland S Swadling L Hallett C Banfield W Walley.
