State 18s finish with a win

THE WAFL State 18s finished the NAB AFL National 18s Championships with a thrilling two-point win over Victoria Country on Wednesday, July 2 with a late Clem Smith goal sealing victory.

Vic Country looked far too strong early in the game and broke out to a 31-point lead midway through the second term. But WA responded to storm home, winning 9.13 (67) to 10.5 (65) at Etihad Stadium, recording WA’s first State 18s win at the ground in six years.

Connor Blakely was also instrumental for WA with 23 disposals, eight clearances and six tackles , while Tyler Keitel played well through defence with 19 touches.

Jarrod Pickett kicked an important goal in the third term and Aidan Anderson, Adam Creeper and Jack Cripps all contributed two goals each.

In the backline, Clayton Giblett did a solid defensive job on dangerous Vic Country forward Paddy McCartin.

Western Australia’s win put Vic Country out of contention for the title and meant the division one result was decided on Thursday when South Australia defeated Vic Metro at Simonds Stadium to take out the Championship.

SCOREBOARD
Vic Country 4.3 9.3 10.4 10.5 (65)
Western Australia 2.1 5.4 8.7 9.13 (67)
GOALS
Vic Country: Webb 4, McCartin 2, Dixon, Evans, Wilson, Lonie
Western Australia: Cripps 2, Creeper 2, Anderson 2, Palfrey, Pickett, Smith
BEST
Vic Country: Webb, Butler, Mathieson, Goddard, Cunico, Howe
Western Australia: Blakely, Hardisty, Keitel, Smith, Giblett, Garlett