WITH the completion of the opening round of the 2008 NAB AFL under 18 championships at Subiaco, reigning champions Western Australia finally shook off a committed and determined NSW/ACT outfit by 70 points.
We can now make early claims that the new expanded format is an immediate success.
Designed to be an aspiration-inspired format for the under 18 players across Australia, NSW/ACT qualified for the right to play against Western Australia in the division two series in May.
The Rams were then able to contest themselves against the best from the west, in what was an entertaining match, played as a curtain-raiser to the Fremantle and Port Adelaide clash.
The experience of playing on the wide open spaces of 'Subi' and travelling to Perth is all part of the aspirations from youngsters hailing from Sydney, Canberra and the Riverina of NSW.
Both Western Australia and NSW/ACT will take a lot out of their first match from their five games.
The Sandgropers' defence was led by the poise of Clancee Pearce and the dashing Stephen Hill, who rebounded many of the Rams' forward thrusts.
They were among Western Australia's best, along with lively small forward Michael Walters, John Bennell and Clint Gartlett. They kicked nine goals between them and complimented the work of midfielder Kane Lucas. His ball-winning ability and usage was exceptional.
The athletic potential and promise of Nick Naitanui was again a feature. He laid a game-high seven tackles and had 20 hit-outs, as he continues to learn the rucking craft.
For NSW/ACT, Ranga Ediriwickrama was prolific. He gained 25 disposals and was one of his side's best. His clean hands and quickness around the ground was a feature.
Rams midfielder Jeremy Kirkwood also displayed a disciplined game, curtailing the exciting Daniel Rich.
On Saturday, at the picturesque Adelaide Oval, South Australia came from a point down at half-time to take a convincing 45-point win over a plucky Tasmania, who has confirmed its ability to be competitive at division one level.
South Australia had winners in North Adelaide trio - Rhys O'Keeffe, Dale Armstrong and Lewis Johnston (four goals).
For Tassie, Mitch Robison and Jesse Crichton were prominent with their pace through the midfield.
Those two matches completed a highly entertaining first round of games, after Victoria Metropolitan defeated rival Victoria Country with the last kick of the game at the MCG on Sunday May 25.
Metro's Jack Watts' contested mark, 45 metres out from goal, with 15 seconds remaining resulted in an accurate major under pressure, topping off an impressive game from the 194cm tall forward. He finished with four goals.
Vic Country's left-footed midfielders Nick Suban and Nic Heyne were both outstanding contributors for their side. Heyne took a spectacular one-handed mark in the goalsquare, which was a magic moment.
Next weekend, the second round takes place over three states on the Queen's Birthday weekend. Much more will be learned from our country's outstanding youngsters, as they experience the ground condition and travel elements, which are so important in the AFL competition.
The fixture is:
NSW/ACT v Vic Country, Saturday June 7, 12.30pm, Henson Park
South Australia v Western Australia, Sunday June 8, 12.35pm, AAMI Stadium
Tasmania v Vic Metro, Monday June 9, 12.30pm, Bellerive Oval
