SOUTH Australia has finished its 2008 NAB AFL under-18 championship on a high after smashing New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory by 80 points in the first of a triple-header at Telstra Dome on Wednesday.
The Croweaters defeated the Rams 20.12 (132) to 8.4 (52), to end their carnival with three wins from five matches.
NSW/ACT capped off a competitive carnival with a third-quarter fightback, after the team finished runner-up in the second division qualifying series to Tasmania. The side's win over Vic Country at Henson Park in June was one of the highlights of the championships.
Key South Australian forward Lewis Johnston was outstanding in front of goal, with four goals from seven scoring shots. His long kicking and contested marking was a feature of his play.
Luke Tapscott, who booted five goals against Vic Country last Saturday at Casey Fields, again impressed up forward with three goals in the first half before finishing with four majors. Damian Hynes also chipped in with three goals.
The highly ranked Hamish Hartlett, the younger brother of Carlton's Adam, also shone with a game-high 24 disposals, eight inside 50s and five rebounds. It was a commanding display from a player likely to be a top 10 draft selection.
Gun midfielder and Geelong hopeful Ranga Ediriwickrama didn't overcome a hamstring injury to play, although fellow scholarship holders Josh Duncan (Hawthorn) and Scott Reed (Collingwood) were prominent with 33 disposals between them.
South Australia 6.3 12.6 13.9 20.12 (132)
NSW/ACT 1.0 2.0 7.2 8.4 (52)
GOALS
South Australia: Johnston 4, Tapscott 4, Hynes 3, Cahill 2, O'Keeffe 2, Davoren, Hall, Hartlett, Schoenmakers, Speight
NSW/ACT: Van Muers 3, Bryce 2, Gumley, McMahon, Spiteri
BEST
South Australia: Hartlett, Johnston, Tapscott, O'Keeffe, Hynes, Hall, Schoenmakers, Blesing, Redden, Stanley, Wilson
NSW/ACT: Duncan, Reed, Kirkwood, Klemke, Van Muers, Bryce
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
