The Allies have gone down to South Australia by 24 points in a see-sawing under-18 National Championships contest in Geelong.
South Australia shot out of the blocks with an impressive opening term, taking a 17-point lead into the first change.
The momentum swung back in favour of the Allies in the second term with the Allies kicking five goals to one to build a 13-point buffer at the main break.
The third term was dominated by South Australia, with a goal from Mitch O’Neill in the final 30 seconds of the half the only goal of the term for the Allies.
Chayce Jones led the way for the Allies. IC: Solstice Digital
South Australia again pulled further ahead in the final term, kicking three goals to two to register a 24-point win, the team’s third win from as many games this Championship series.
Mariners skipper Chayce Jones found plenty of the football for the Allies, finishing with 21 disposals and four clearances, while bottom-ager Mitch O’Neill continued his impressive streak of form with 17 disposals, five marks and a goal.
Tarryn Thomas laid six tackles in a contested display, while running machine Fraser Turner finished with 17 disposals and three rebound 50s.
Nic Baker impressed with his ability to read the play in an 11 disposal and five tackle effort. Rhyan Mansell, an inclusion for this match, also showed flashes of his best, kicking a sensational goal in the final term in an eight-disposal performance.
The Allies now hold a 1-2 win-loss record ahead of the final match against Western Australia at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday July 4.
2018 U18 National Championships – Round 4
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong – Friday June 29 – 2:10pm
Allies – 1.1 6.7 7.8 9.12 (66)
South Australia – 3.6 4.6 10.10 13.12 (90)
Goals – Allies: N. Blakey 2, Scott 2, M. O’Neill, R. Mansell, Budarick, Quint, McFadyen
Best – Allies: McFadyen, M. O’Neill, C. Jones, Scott, N. Baker, N. Blakey
Tasmanians Selected:
#6 Rhyan Mansell – North Launceston (04/06/2000)
One goal, 8 disposals (5 kicks, 3 handballs), 2 clearances, 2 inside 50s
#10 Chayce Jones – Launceston (14/01/2000)
21 disposals (13 kicks, 8 handballs), 5 tackles, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s
#12 Mitchell O’Neill – North Hobart (21/02/2001)
One goal, 17 disposals (11 kicks, 6 handballs), 5 marks, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 2 inside 50s
#20 Fraser Turner – Clarence (26/12/2000)
17 disposals (8 kicks, 9 handballs), 4 marks, 3 rebound 50s
#46 Tarryn Thomas – North Launceston (25/03/2000)
12 disposals (5 kicks, 7 handballs), 6 tackles, 4 inside 50s
#47 Nicholas Baker – Lauderdale (10/11/2000)
11 disposals (5 kicks, 6 handballs), 5 tackles