NSW/ACT win Division 2 honours

Queensland took an early lead in the deciding match of the 2014 NAB AFL Under 18 National Championships, but their dominant possession earned them just three behinds before NSW/ACT snatched the lead and held it until the close of play.

Jack Steele was the catalyst for a dramatic change in focus for his side, kicking a goal from the 50m line in the fourteenth minute of the first quarter. NSW/ACT, buoyed by the points are able to fend off Queensland’s attempts to score a major despite significant pressure in front of the goals.

An attempt from Fyffe doesn’t succeed, but NSW/ACT will see out the quarter looking more confident than they began.

The second quarter is marred by inaccurate kicking and sloppy ball handling, and the grinding play throughout the midfield is broken only by a remarkable shot from Jack Steele to take NSW/ACT’s lead to ten points halfway through the second quarter.

Queensland score their first goal of the match shortly after, with a brilliant running kick from Keays finding the gap in the NSW/ACT defence.

Brydon Hodgson was well supported by his NSW/ACT teammates, and scores a goal after a showing of good hands in the midfield. A brilliant attempt from Hiscox went awry, but NSW/ACT regroup to maintain attacking pressure on their northern counterparts.

With less than two minutes until half-time, Queensland make a concerted effort to regain possession, but can only manage a behind before the long break.

At the resumption of play, NSW/ACT’s Jeremy Finlayson kicks a quick goal to open the quarter which is followed by a goal shortly after to Liam Griffiths, assisted by Dougal Howard in the fifth minute, stretching their lead to 21 points.

Queensland respond after a loss of focus from NSW/ACT, to score just their second goal of the match.

A luckless period for NSW/ACT in front of goals yields just two behinds, before Queensland score a goal to narrow the gap to ten points after NSW/ACT suffer another lapse in defence.

Abe Davis is out for redemption, and doesn’t waste a chance with a goal from inside the square; minutes later Jim Carroll is rewarded from a shot in front – stretching the lead to 17 points with one quarter remaining.

Davis continues his solid work up forward with a shot on goal in the second minute of the final term, but can only add a single point to the score as it veers wildly to the right.

NSW/ACT lose focus to allow Queensland’s James Rayner to kick their ninth behind for the match, but Queensland continue to capitalise and a contested mark in the square sees Harris Andrews slot a neat goal from in close.

Mattingly scores the final goal for NSW/ACT to take them to 57 points, and only a single point is added to this. Queensland offer a last-minute resistance with a goal to Keays, but they fail to add to this, with 45 points their final score.

NSW/ACT remain unbeaten for the tournament, and standout player Isaac Heeney is the well-deserved recipient of the Harrison Medal for Division 2 Best and Fairest.

Rams 8.10 (58) to Qld 6.9 (45)

Goals: Jack Steele 2, Brydan Hodgson, Jeremy Finlayson, Liam Griffiths, Abiana Davis, Jim Carroll, Michael Mattingly.

Best: Josh Ryan, Abiana Davis, Jack Steele, Tyler Roos, Jack Hiscox, Isaac Heeney.