Both teams entered their final match of the championships without a win and were simply playing for pride, and the NT set up its victory with a seven-goal first half.
Cool and swirly conditions didn’t make for much of a spectacle, but the NT did manage to boot 7.5 to 2.8 in the first half and seemed to have control.
Queensland hit back in the second half but each time it got within serious striking distance, the NT responded to kill off any threat. The NT eventually won 12.7 (79) to 9.10 (64).
Much of the NT’s early ascendancy was due to the brilliance of youngster and likely Greater Western Sydney target Shaun Edwards.
The 16-year-old cut loose just before half time, booting two goals and using his dash to give his side the edge heading into the break. He finished with three majors.
Dean Staunton continued his outstanding carnival. He had 26 possessions - 18 in the first half - five inside 50s and six tackles to be a catalyst for the NT.
While he wasn’t as prolific after half time, he sealed his team’s win with two goals in the final term, one a superb running effort from just inside 50m that halted Queensland’s momentum.
Steven May, another of NT’s big guns, was also a significant contributor after a subdued first half. He moved from a midfield role to attack and finished the match with two important goals.
Queensland’s Adam Oxley was terrific, booting 3.3 to keep his side in it early and provide spark up forward.
Luke Shreeve (16 disposals, eight inside 50s) and Jake Crawford (15 touches, five tackles) also worked hard for Queensland while ruckman Tom Hickey helped turn the tide his side’s way in the second half.
He not only had 29 hit-outs, but looked dangerous in attack and booted a goal.
However it wasn’t enough, with Staunton and May holding sway for the NT and making sure their team’s final match of the championships was a success.
Northern Territory: 2.2 7.5 10.5 12.7 (79)
Queensland: 1.5 2.8 5.10 9.10 (64)
GOALS
NT: Shaun Edwards 3, Dean Staunton 2, James Wray 2, Steven May 2, Curtley Hampton, Kieren Smith, Corey Baxter
QLD: Adam Oxley 3, Luke Edwards, Peter Yagmoor, Tom Hickey, Jake Crawford, Peter Labi, Lewis Moss
BEST
NT: Corey Baxter, Anthony Tipungwuti, Steven May, Shaun Edwards, Dean Staunton, Shannon Rioli
QLD: Jake Crawford, James Nelis, Adam Oxley, Luke Shreeve, Tom Hickey
The following players received their State MVP awards:
Northern Territory: Dean Staunton
Queensland: Jake Crawford
It Starts Here - Final Round of NAB AFL U18s Live - Wednesday 30 June
Watch the final round of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships live from Skilled Stadium on Fox Sports from 12.30pm-5pm or visit afl.com.au throughout the day for the latest news, information, photos and Twitter updates.
