After a successful Under-18 Academy Series, a host of star Tassie Mariners had the chance to impress over the weekend, representing the Allies in practice matches against Victoria Country and Victoria Metro.
These practice games will help in the selection process of the final Allies squad that will compete at the U18 National Championships next month.
A 13-player contingent of Mariners made the initial 50-player Allies squad, with this squad set to be cut back over the coming week.
Here is a wrap on our our Mariners fared, with Lachlan Gadomski and Rhyan Mansell the only two Mariners to have not played.
Vic Metro U18 v Allies – Trial Game at IKON Park
Vic Metro 10.10 (70) def. Allies 6.11 (47)
Tarryn Thomas (North Launceston)
After being recognised as the Academy Series Best and Fairest player, Thomas was brilliant once again, finishing with 25 disposals (10 kicks, 15 handballs), 11 tackles, three clearances and a goal. Named best afield by many, Thomas’ stocks continue to rise as he combines his silky skills and class and grunt.
Matt McGuinness (Lauderdale)
The talented Lauderdale tall had an impressive day, picking up 18 disposals (10 kicks, eight handballs), six marks and three tackles. An exciting prospect capable of playing at both ends of the ground.
Baxter Norton (North Hobart)
Ethan Jackson stood tall. IC: AFL Photos
Norton maintained his good form with another solid display. With 17 disposals (10 kicks, seven handballs), three inside 50’s and two tackles, Norton is another player you should keep your eyes peeled for.
Tim Auckland (Launceston)
The talented tall finished with eight disposals, two marks and 10 hit outs in the loss, underlining his capacity to move well around the ground.
Vic Country U18 v Allies – Trial Game at IKON Park
Vic Country 11.9 (75) def. by Allies 15.12 (102)
Mitch Anderton (Lauderdale)
Anderton started the game in fine form, picking up three kicks in the opening term before going down with a leg injury. Likely to spend some time on the sidelines, but initial reports suggest the injury is not as bad as first thought.
Nic Baker (Lauderdale)
Another player who looked to make a promising start before suffering an injury, Baker was concussed in the first term, but has been assessed and given the all clear after sitting out the remainder of the game.
Ethan Jackson (Launceston)
Jackson delivered a terrific performance for the Allies, picking up 23 disposals, four marks and three clearances in the win. With six inside 50’s and a goal, Jackson’s performance stood out.
Fraser Turner delivered another impressive performance. IC: AFL Photos
Chayce Jones (Launceston)
Another impressive performer in the win, the Mariners skipper finished the game with 22 disposals (18 kicks, four handballs), five tackles and two goals. Jones had seven touches in the first half, but worked his way into the contest brilliantly.
Mitch O’Neill (North Hobart)
Too young for this year’s draft, O’Neill has done his future prospects no harm whatsoever, collecting 23 touches (14 kicks, nine handballs), seven marks and eight inside 50’s. O’Neill, who traveled to New Zealand as part of the Australian Academy last month, is a player to keep your eyes on.
Blair Rubock (Launceston)
Rubock had seven disposals against Vic Country, but used the ball well right across the ground whenever he could. Finished the day with two behinds.
Fraser Turner (Clarence)
Turner continued his fine form into this clash, picking up a game-high 32 disposals (27 kicks, five handballs), an equal game high seven marks, five inside 50’s and two behinds.