AN ACCOMPLISHED performance from bottom-age talent Chayce Jones has guided Tasmania to a comfortable 49-point win over the Northern Territory at Blacktown International Sports Park on Sunday.
Jones, who will be eligible for next year's NAB AFL Draft, finished with 27 disposals, five marks and a goal, and showcased his ability to dispose of the ball using both sides of his body.
The youngster created scoring chances for his teammates with five inside 50s, including one particular pinpoint left-foot pass that travelled about 40m and hit a target up forward.
Jones was well complemented by Zac Buechner, who kicked an equal game-high three goals from his nine disposals in the 13.10 (88) to 5.9 (39) triumph.
The 19-year-old, who has similar attributes to Cat-turned-Docker Shane Kersten, was aggressive in the way he hunted the ball and used his lateral movement to provide a strong presence for his team.
Medium forward Thomas Mundy covered the ground well with three goals to go with his 17 possessions, helping to keep the ball locked in Tasmania's attacking half.
For Northern Territory, small forward Ryan Althouse-Cooper was lively and absorbed the contact of his opponents by kicking a team-high two goals.
On-baller Zac Bailey, who last year played at SANFL level, competed well for NT, but the youngster lacked some polish by foot at times.
Bailey gathered 21 possessions, six clearances and laid four tackles in a promising display.
Speedster Jamie Hampton, the younger brother of Adelaide utility Curtly, moved into the midfield in the second half and was a shining light.
Hampton finished with 30 touches and 10 marks – both game-highs – while Lachlan Clifford led the stats sheet for Tasmania with 28 disposals.
NT struggled to get into the game after conceding four unanswered goals in the opening term.
TASMANIA 4.3 8.6 9.7 13.10 (88)
NORTHERN TERRITORY 0.3 1.4 4.6 5.9 (39)
GOALS
TASMANIA: Buechner 3, Mundy 3, B.McGuinness 2, Jones, Pearce, Millucci, Dixon, Williams
NORTHERN TERRITORY: Althouse-Cooper 2, Kluske, Scrutton, Hutt
BEST
TASMANIA: Jones, Hutchinson, Sawdy, Gadomski, Buechner, B.McGuinness
NORTHERN TERRITORY: Hutt, Althouse-Cooper, Hampton, Bailey, Scrutton, Valastro
