NAB AFL U18 Academy Series : Round 3 Round Up

Photo taken by: Matt Corby

 

Tasmania vs. GWS GIANTS Academy – North Hobart Oval

The GWS GIANTS Academy travelled to Hobart to take on AFL Tasmania in Round Three of the NAB AFL Under 18s Academy Series.

Opening the season with two losses, the GIANTS were keen to make amends for an inaccurate start to the year.

Tasmania kept pace with the GIANTS throughout the match, with only a goal separating teams at half-time.The match remained close throughout the second half, however the GIANTS were able to kick away in the final term, securing an 11-point win.

Alex Paech impressed with three goals, while Reed Stevens and Jy Lane kicked two each.

GIANTS Academy Coach, Jason Saddington was pleased with the efforts of his young team.

“The lads stuck to task all game under plenty of physical pressure. It was great for them to get reward for their effort,” said Saddington.

“It was a much more mature performance and our ability to take on feedback from last weekend, make adjustments, and action them in a tough contest was extremely pleasing, and shows great character.

“Tom Highmore was again terrific across half-back with a great blend of defensive and offensive game.

“Nick Shipley again led the way on ball. He was consistently strong through the contest, won plenty of footy, and led the way with tackles and clearances.”

GWS GIANTS ACADEMY – 14.4.88

AFL TASMANIA – 12.5.77

GIANTS GOALS –  Paech (3), Stevens (2), Lane (2), Pollock, Walker, Highmore, Palombi, Briggs, Cuthbert, Koschitzke.

 

Sydney Swans Academy vs. Gold Coast Sun Academy – Blacktown 

The Sydney Swans Academy took on the Gold Coast Suns Academy on Saturday in Blacktown.

Contrasting their cross-town rivals the GIANTS, the Swans had produced two wins to start their Academy Series season, and were keen to keep the momentum going.

The Swans were clinical in their pursuit of an undefeated run with each end of the ground on song. Supported by a dominant mid-field, it was a comprehensive victory for the home side.

“Blakey and Skrivanic looked particularly dangerous from the first siren,” said Sydney Swans Academy Manager, Chris Smith.

“Midfielders – Brown, Osborne, Wicks and Stewart – outworked their opponents, taking advantage of Maze and Loon’s ruck dominance.

“Our defence was well led by Reinhard, Carroll, and Rogers, with Schumack and Kaporis providing lots of run and rebound.

“All players played a significant role in the 11-goal win, and coach Crouch is most pleased with their high effort and balanced contribution.”

The Swans will go into the Easter break undefeated alongside the Brisbane Lions Academy, whose game was cancelled last week due to extreme weather.

SYDNEY SWANS ACADEMY – 15.11.101

GOLD COAST SUNS ACADEMY – 5.5.35

SWANS GOALS – Blakey (4), Skrivanic (3), Brown (2), Carroll (2), Wicks, Carr, Stewart, Rankin