Demons livewire in as State 18s boys chase back-to-back wins

The AAMI WA Football State 18s Boys are aiming for back-to-back wins to start the AFL National Under-18s Championships when they take on Vic Metro at Victor George Kailis Oval in Cockburn on Saturday morning.

Western Australia are coming off a brilliant hard-fought victory over reigning champs South Australia at home last weekend, led by an impressive midfield display by leaders Leo Steed, George Gale, Harper Banfield and Lucas Robinson.

The Black Swans have made one change for the blockbuster clash with Perth livewire Jayden Clarke replacing East Fremantle forward Oscar Richardson.

Clarke is set to combine with fellow small forwards Cam Maynard and Lachlan McGlade who booted two goals apiece in lively displays against the Croweaters last Saturday.

He’s coming off an eye-catching display for the Demons in their 10-point EGT WAFL Colts loss to Claremont, racking up 21 disposals, laying seven tackles and kicking a goal, and is building nicely after a broken arm delayed his start to the season.

WA State 18s coach Marc Webb was proud of his team’s fight to hold off a fast-finishing South Australia in the opener after the visitors got within three points in the final term.

“It was fantastic,” Webb said.

“It was a positive start, we took advantage of some opportunities and then weathered the storm late.

“They were coming hard and got within three points so it’s a credit to the guys who were able to really steady and kick away late to put the result beyond doubt.”

Webb was expected a tall Vic Metro outfit on Saturday, highlighted by No.1 draft prospect Harry van Hattum who’s a 205cm giant.

“They’re going to be quite tall at both ends so I think that’s something we’ve got to be really weary of,” Webb said.

“We need to make sure we win the midfield battle and get it to our forwards more because their talls and their capability to have an aerial threat are their strengths.”

WA State 18s boys v Vic Metro

Victor George Kailis Oval, Saturday, June 20, at 10.20am

B: Hudson Graham, Frazer Rickson, Fynn Tomasini

HB: Heath Mellody, Byron Foster, Ethan Turner

C: George Gale, Leo Steed, Jame Artemis

HF: Lachlan McGlade, Harvey Spawton-Guy, Finlay Yeo

F: Cameron Maynard, Axel Walsh, Kyan Perera

FOLL: Benji van Rooyen, Lucas Robinson, Harper Banfield

INT: Heath Wilson, Tom Brown, Marcus Motton, Maxim Collins, Jayden Clarke

EMERG: Elijah Dennis, Garrison Kenh, Mitch Stirling, Noah Braun