Mellody wins State 18s MVP award

Claremont young gun Heath Mellody has claimed the AAMI WA Football State 18s MVP award following a consistent AFL National Under-18s Championships campaign.

The smooth-moving midfielder/half-back enhanced his first-round draft credentials with a brilliant carnival, averaging 28 disposals, five marks and four rebound 50s across the four games.

The AFL Academy member started the championships across half-back before moving into the midfield midway through the come-from-behind victory over Vic Country at Marvel Stadium on Friday night where he made a massive difference in the second half.

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He followed it up with a huge four-quarter performance in the Black Swans’ heart-breaking six-point defeat to the Allies in Ballarat on Wednesday, finishing with 30 disposals, 10 marks and eight score involvements to be WA’s best.

Mellody beat a strong field of teammates including co-captains Leo Steed and George Gale to win the award.

It came as WA finished their carnival with a 2-2 record, with their wins coming against defending champions South Australia at home and Vic Country on the road.

State 18s coach Marc Webb spoke highly of Mellody’s influence across the championships.

“I think he’s played consistently for us, even in our trial games,” Webb said.

“The depth in our midfield earlier in our other games and the way he’d been playing consistently across half-back probably meant that we kept him there longer than we should have.

“But the opportunity for him to go in there and have a really good impact, showing his versatility and class was super positive.

“There’s no doubt that AFL clubs will take note of him showing his capabilities to play multiple roles and certainly as a mid who can use the ball well, it’s something that most clubs would be crying out for.”