SOUTH Australian midfielders Jack Graham and Jonty Scharenberg have shown why they are regarded as exciting draft prospects, steering their side to a 37-point win over Western Australia at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.
On the back of his 29-possession game last Saturday, captain Graham led his team superbly once again with a match-high 34 touches, four tackles and four clearances.
Graham was well complemented by 186cm Scharenberg – the younger brother of Collingwood backman Matt – with 29 disposals, six clearances and five tackles.
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The midfield duo showed maturity beyond their years, covered the ground well and created scoring opportunities in the comprehensive 12.10 (82) to 6.9 (45) win.
Defenders Sam Walker and Andrew McPherson proved too strong on their direct opponents in one-on-one contests, with the pair taking several intercept marks and providing good rebound for SA.
Father-son prospect Ben Jarman, the son of Adelaide and Hawthorn great Darren, hunted the ball in the midfield and up forward with 17 possessions and a goal.
Midfielder Zac Fisher was named Western Australia's best, using his strong work ethic and pinpoint left-foot kick to great effect with 20 touches to go with seven tackles.
Speedster Shai Bolton (14 disposals) converted WA's first goal of the match at the 12-minute mark of the second quarter and lifted his side again after moving into the midfield in the third term.
Midfielder Sam Powell-Pepper (14 disposals, five clearances) fought hard in the clinches and was lively when he drifted to full-forward in the last quarter, while 199cm forward Luke Strnadica added three majors to take his tally to seven goals in two games.
South Australia controlled play from the opening stages of the game, ending with 107 more possessions (354-247) and 16 more inside 50s (50-34).
WA takes on the Allies next Saturday in Perth for round three of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, while SA meets Vic Metro at AAMI Stadium next Sunday.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA 3.3 7.6 11.8 12.10 (82)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 0.4 2.5 3.7 6.9 (45)
GOALS
South Australia: Hayward 2, Fogarty 2, Stengle, Jarman, Bedford, Slimming, Villis, Lee, Coleman-Jones, Ladhams
Western Australia: Strnadica 3, Bolton, Zurhaar, Waterman
BEST
South Australia: Graham, Walker, Scharenberg, Pitman, Jarman, McPherson
Western Australia: Fisher, Strnadica, Zurhaar, Powell-Pepper
