SOUTH Australia ran away from Tasmania in the final term to open its NAB AFL under-18 championship campaign, with a 45-point victory at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

Still, it wasn't all the Croweaters' way as the second division winners were on course to cause an upset early on, when Tasmania led at quarter time and half time.

But when South Australia led by 12 points at three-quarter time, they then upped the ante, piling on seven goals to one in a commanding last quarter. The final score saw South Australia 17.6 (108) defeat Tasmania 9.9 (63).

South Australia's Rhys O'Keefe was arguably his side's best with 20 disposals and five inside 50s, as Dale Armstrong also won plenty of the ball, notching up 22 touches. Scott Blesing was another to impress for South Australia with 20 disposals and five inside 50s.

Croweater Lewis Johnston was leading goalkicker for the match with four majors, as 198cm tall Bart McCulloch continued his impressive series for Tasmania with three goals.

Tom Salter was again a key ball-winner for the Apple Isle, collecting a game-high 23 disposals, as teammate Mitch Robinson shone in the midfield with 22 disposals, seven inside 50s and a goal. Jackson O'Brien also impressed playing a run-with role on South Australian key Hamish Hartlett.

South Australia 17.6 (108) d Tasmania 9.9 (63)

GOALS
South Australia: Johnston 4, Broadbent 2, Cahill 2, Hall 2, Hartlett 2, Mardling 2, Blesing, Lane, McAdam
Tasmania: McCulloch 3, Cox 2, Allwright, Cornelius, Hislop, Robinson

BEST
South Australia: O’Keefe, Cahill, Blesing, Martin, Broadbent, Hall, Armstrong, Jones
Tasmania: Allwright, Robinson, Salter, Hislop, O’Brien, Harwood, Crichton, Milne

Round One (match two) played at Adelaide Oval