WA Fall Short At 18s and 16s National ChampionshipsTuesday, June 25, 2024 - 3:11 PM

WA intends to finish its 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships - U18 Boys on a high despite suffering a 33 point defeat to Vic Metro at Optus Stadium last weekend.

The West Australians, buoyed by their strong win over South Australia, made a promising start with five first quarter goals to lead the Vics by four points at half time.

But Vic Metro booted eight goals to three after half time to run out winners.

WA captain Bo Allan finished with 19 disposals, five clearances and two goals, while Malakai Champion ended the match with three goals.

WAFC State Talent Manager Adam Jones was satisfied with the team’s effort.

“We were really proud of the boys for the majority of the game,” Jones said.

“Some skill errors and free kicks cost us throughout the game but overall we walked away happy with the effort.

“Vic Metro has been spoken about as having as many as four top five draft picks and we saw that talent on display and in the end that was probably the difference between the two teams.”
 
Despite the defeat, several players more than held their own.

“We were really pleased with a number of players including Jaxon Artemis who keeps getting better and better and we thought he provided some terrific run throughout the game,” Jones said.

“Bo Allan led from the front with his competitiveness and finished nicely with two goals.

“Malakai played a good game with some great pressure and three goals.

“As a bottom ager we have been really pleased with Fred Rodrigues and what he’s been able to do.”

WA finishes its campaign against Vic Country at Revo Fitness Stadium on Saturday at 10.30am.
 
“We’ll review the game early in the week but then switch our focus to Vic Country and aim to finish off the carnival really well,” he said.
 
A gallant performance also by the WA side at the 2024 Marsh AFL National Development Championships-U16 Boys.

The West Australians were beaten by South Australia, going down by 10 points, with coach Mick Glassborow believing his side could have won the match.

“It was a frustrating performance because we did a lot right early and didn’t make them pay on the scoreboard and then we fell asleep for the first 10 minutes of the third quarter,” he said.

“They kicked a couple of quick goals which gave them the momentum, but we got ourselves back into the game, then we had our chances to win it but didn’t take our chances.

“SA was cleaner with the ball and more efficient going inside 50 and took their chances and in the end that was the difference between winning and losing.” 

 Glassborow praised the work rate of several players.
 
“Thatcher Simmons and Lucas Robinson lead our midfield and found plenty of the ball and was strong around the contest,” Glassborow said.

“Elijah Dennis vas very good down back, playing on the most dangerous forward.

“Damian Newry was also exciting to watch playing forward with his speed and football smarts kicking one goal three.”

The contest was a good launching pad for the side’s next two matches.

“While it’s disappointing to lose we learnt a lot about playing at the elite level, and I was proud of the way the boys prepared and travelled.

“We never gave in, and I couldn’t question their effort which is pleasing.

“We now turn our focus to Vic Country and Vic Metro look to improve our development as a team.”