EXCITING prospect Nick Blakey is recovering well after being rushed to hospital following a serious concussion in the NAB AFL Academy's 106-point win over the New Zealand Hawks in Wellington.
In the Anzac Day eve clash at Westpac Stadium involving Australia's brightest under-17 players against an open-age New Zealand line-up, Blakey was one of his team's best players with four goals.
But Blakey, who was also named the side's captain for the clash, had his game cut short after hitting his head on the ground after being tackled by an opponent.
It was a disappointing end to the clash for Blakey, who continues to prove himself as one of the leading talents available in next year's NAB AFL Draft.
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The son of former Fitzroy and North Melbourne player John is eligible to join both the Brisbane Lions and the Roos as a father-son selection, but also qualifies as an academy selection for Sydney, where he has lived while John has been an assistant coach at the club.
The 194cm leaping forward has starred for the Swans' academy side in the recent under-18 academy series matches.
Smart midfielder Sam Walsh was excellent in the win, impressing with his footy instincts and sharp disposal, while Ian Hill also excited with three goals. Hill is a relative of Fremantle brothers Stephen and Bradley.
Rhylee West was another of the 2018 prospects to shine in the contest, more than a year before he is eligible to join the Bulldogs under the father-son rule. His father Scott is a seven-time best and fairest winner for the club.
Brownlow medallist and Brisbane Lions champion Simon Black returned to the field by representing New Zealand, the country where he was born. The 38-year-old former midfielder showed he can still find the ball throughout the game against the next generation of AFL stars.
Recruiters from AFL clubs made the trip over to New Zealand to cover the annual five-day camp. The players of both squads will attend the Anzac Day service on Tuesday morning before the national academy heads back to Australia.
NAB AFL Academy 21.19 (145)
New Zealand Hawks 5.9 (39)
BEST
NAB AFL Academy: Walsh, Hill, Rankine, West, Blakey, Lukosius, Thomas, Bytel, Flinn
New Zealand Hawks: Dickinson, Howison, Smith, Faimalo, Lefau, Hick
GOALS
NAB AFL Academy: Blakey 4, Rankine 4, Hill 3, Stack, Jones, West, Mummery, Walker, Heatly, Lukosius, Flinn, Thomas, S Walsh
New Zealand Hawks: Dickinson, Howison, Harris, Baker-Thomas, Kissel
