State 18s defeated by Vic Country

Western Australia was defeated convincingly by Victoria Country at Fremantle Oval on Sunday, June 15 in Round 4 of the NAB AFL National 18s Championships.

Strong-moving WAFL midfielder Connor Blakely returned from a hamstring injury to gather 25 disposals and six clearances, while Jared Hardisty tried hard with 24.

Francis Watson, who turns 19 later this year, had 16 disposals for WA and showed some flair in the air, leaping for marks as a flanker at both ends.

While Western Australia remains winless after four rounds of the national championships, if Vic Country wins its final two games against South Australia (June 27) and Western Australia (July 2) it will claim the division one crown.

Next weekend the division two sides take the stage for the first time this season, with a double-header at Blacktown on Saturday.

Tasmania will take on Queensland before NSW-ACT plays Northern Territory.

SCOREBOARD

Western Australia 0.1 2.2 2.4 5.5 (35)

Vic Country 4.6 7.7 11.8 14.13 (97)

GOALS

Western Australia: Stewart, Pickett, Watson, Bevan, Nelson

Vic Country: Lonie 4, Butler 3, Webb 2, Wilson 2, Parish, Nyuon, Marchbank

BEST

Western Australia: Hardisty, Watson, Winton, Dent, Blakely, Smith

Vic Country: Lonie, Dixon, Tucker, White, Goddard, Nelson