The son of former Demon (164 games) and Fitzroy (25 games) player, Steven Stretch, starred on a wing and had good support from SA captain Jake Johansen and likely top-five draft pick Sam Durdin.

 

WA's most influential player was Jarrod Pickett, who kicked three goals in round three of the NAB AFL under-18s Championships at Medibank Stadium.

 

Western Australia came into the match rank underdogs after an abysmal effort in an 87-point loss to Vic Metro last round.

 

But the home side led for most of the match before being overrun by five points, with SA keeping its perfect record intact.

 

Johansen led all comers with 32 disposals, seven clearances, 10 inside 50s and two goals, continuing his strong form at the championships.

 

Durdin, who at 197cm is one of this draft's elite talls, shone with 17 touches and 11 hit-outs.

 

Stretch gathered 19 touches – eight contested – and pumped the ball inside 50m five times.

 

Jackson Press booted 3.2 for the visitors from 14 disposals.

 

Pickett booted three late goals for WA to keep the Sandgropers in the hunt and had 21 disposals – 10 contested – with seven inside 50s.

 

Rated as one of WA's best draft hopes, Pickett received good support from Tyler Keitel, who also kicked three majors from 13 touches and was a strong marking target.

 

Defender Dylan Winton collected the most disposals for WA with 22, while Clayton Giblett was named the home side's best after 13 touches and four marks.

 

Potential West Coast father-son draftee Alec Waterman was held relatively quiet with 16 disposals.

 

Western Australia remains winless after three matches.

The championships continue when Vic Country faces Vic Metro at Simonds Stadium at 11am on Sunday.

 

WA: Pickett 3, Keitel 3, Stewart, Cripps, Bevan

SA: Press 3, Johansen 2, Burton 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Hone

 

WA: Giblett, Watson, Stewart, Keitel, Bevan, Winton, Pickett

SA: Stretch, Hamilton, Durdin, Press, Wigg, Neal-Bullen, Johansen

 

Twitter: @TravKing_AFL