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• NAB AFL Under-18s news, fixture & results
CRAFTY half-forward Jock Cornell helped steer New South Wales-ACT to its first win of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, kicking four goals in his team's 37-point victory over the Northern Territory.
The Rams rebounded from their round one loss to Tasmania to cruise to the 14.10 (94) to 9.3 (57) win on Saturday at Simonds Stadium, with Cornell one of the major influences.
The Wagga Wagga prospect, who is a cousin of Essendon's emerging star Joe Daniher but tied to Greater Western Sydney through its academy, gathered 16 disposals and six marks in the forward line to go with his 4.1.
Another pair of possible Giants – midfielder Jacob Hopper and forward Harrison Himmelberg – impressed in the win, which puts the Rams within striking distance of the division two title. They play the undefeated Queensland next Thursday at Simonds Stadium.
Hopper further confirmed his place as one of the standout players in this year's pool by gathering 29 disposals and 10 clearances. He also kicked a goal, showing he can match his quality work around the ball with some clean disposals in space.
The 192cm Himmelberg offered a handful of exciting moments in his 15-disposal and two-goal game, and after injuries saw him overlooked at last year's draft, he has improved his running and regularly beats opponents on the lead.
Kobe Mutch (17 disposals), Will Setterfield (15) and Harrison Macreadie (13) also performed well, and gave a glimpse into the future for NSW/ACT given all are draft-eligible next year.
The Rams looked likely to run away with a comprehensive win after establishing a 35-point lead at half-time, but the Northern Territory offered strong resistance after the major break.
They won the second half and were led by 2015 prospect Brandon Parfitt, who collected 24 disposals and eight marks through the midfield.
Smaller type Michael Hagan provided dash and booted two goals from 20 disposals, while Ben Long, the nephew of Essendon great Michael, also gave strong effort for the Northern Territory.
Daniel Rioli, a cousin of Hawthorn star Cyril, kicked two goals and laid five tackles, and Jordan Jeffrey also kicked two in an encouraging display.
NSW-ACT 3.4 7.7 10.10 14.10 (94)
NORTHERN TERRITORY 0.1 1.2 5.2 9.3 (57)
BEST
NSW-ACT: Hopper, Cornell, Macreadie, Baron-Hay, Himmelberg, Flynn, McFadden
Northern Territory: Parfitt, Hagan, Maroney, Tilmouth-Turner, Rioli
GOALS
NSW-ACT: Cornell 4, Himmelberg 2, McFadden 2, Hopper, Flynn, Macreadie, Minogue, Tiziani, Sproule
Northern Territory: Hagan 2, Rioli 2, Jeffrey 2, Turner, McMasters, Frank
