Allies team named for fifth and final round

The Allies team for the final round of 2018 NAB AFL Under-18s Championships has been announced.

Seven players from the AFL NSW/ACT region have been included with a similar list of players from Round 4 named, as they set themselves to face Western Australia at Etihad Stadium on July 4.

Sydney Swans Academy members, Nick Blakey, Joey Reinhard and Joshua Stern have all retained their positions, while GIANTS Academy members, Kieren Briggs, Guy Richardson, Jacob Koschitzke and Mathew Walker remain in the side.

Allies Assistant Coach, Lloyd Perris says the fact that so many locals have made their way onto the team this year is a testament to their work ethic, while attributing the provided opportunities for local players to the depth of talent in the region.

“It’s great that the majority of AFL NSW/ACT players have been able to keep their spot on the team for the majority of the Championships,” said Perris.

“They are a hard working and enthusiastic group who have really bought into the Allies team.

“Several AFL NSW/ACT players have come into the team with Richardson, Stern and Reinhard all playing their role in the loss to South Australia. They have really settled into the team since we have been in camp, and will be looking to improve as they run out for the Allies for the second time.”

Pennant Hills’ Kieren Briggs remains a large cornerstone of the Allies side, named this week for the fourth time in four matches.

“Briggs has been one of the most consistent Allies players and will look to continue that form in the final match against Western Australia.”

Canberra’s Tom Green who has featured in all Allies games thus far this Championships, will be the only change to the included AFL NSW/ACT players for Round 5, listed this time as an emergency.

“Tom Green will miss out, but he has been outstanding throughout the first three games and should be really proud of his efforts.”

In a similar position to the Allies this season, Western Australia has taken just one victory in 2018, also against Vic Country, whom the Allies defeated in Round One.

The Allies will be looking to make amends for a disappointing second half against South Australia in Geelong last Friday. The Allies led at the main-break, however let the South Australians overrun them in the third quarter where they only managed to hit the scoreboard with a major, with just 30 seconds to spare.

You can catch the Allies final match of the year LIVE on Fox Footy tomorrow from 2pm.

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