TASMANIA has put itself in the box seat to close out the division two NAB AFL Under-18 Championships with a comfortable 41-point victory against NSW/ACT at Visy Park on Saturday.
The Tasmanians were too slick and too polished for the NSW/ACT side who, to their credit, battled hard to the end.
But inaccuracy in front of goal cost the Rams, and the start they gave to the Tasmanians proved too much to overhaul as they won 14.7 (91) to 6.14 (50).
Tasmania kicked eight goals in the first half to all but ensure victory, as the Rams managed a measly 2.8.
Forward Brennon Kendall booted five goals for Tasmania, while Jarrod Hibberd (18 touches) and Calen Jeffery (17) were tough in and under.
Bryce Walsh had a game-high 22 disposals and two goals to continue his impressive carnival, Jackson Thurlow (17) acted as the distributor from half back and Sam O'Byrne bobbed up with two goals as well.
Jesse Lonergan, nephew of Essendon's Sam, was handy with two goals and 15 possessions in his second game back from a knee injury and Toby Nankervis dominated in the ruck with 34 hit-outs.
Despite Tasmania's early dominance, the Rams managed to peg the margin back to within 14 points midway through the third term with a stretch that saw them slam on three unanswered goals.
Rams forward Caleb Vearing was pivotal in the mini comeback and Samuel Clyne (19 disposals) was consistent throughout the game.
Sydney Swans scholarship holder Daniel Robinson gathered 15 disposals to be amongst the best for the Rams.
The result sets up a fascinating finish to division two with the title race still up in the air.
If Tasmania wins against Northern Territory next Thursday they clinch the title, but if the Thunder wins it comes down to percentage.
Likewise, if Queensland defeats the Rams (and the Thunder beats Tasmania) next Thursday, the winner of the title is determined by percentage again.
TASMANIA 4.0 8.3 10.6 14.7 (91)
NSW/ACT 1.6 2.8 5.10 6.14 (50)
GOALS
Tasmania: Kendall 5, Lonergan 2, O'Byrne 2, B Walsh 2, K Kolodjashnij, Nankervis, Van den Berg
NSW/ACT: Clothier, Dwyer, Gibbons, Keogh, Redfern, Robinson
BEST
Tasmania: B Walsh, Kendall, Siggins, Lonergan, Hibberd, O'Byrne
NSW/ACT: Clyne, Redfern, Keogh, Gibbons, Clothier
