State 18s rebound with a win

The WAFL State 18s claimed a courageous win over Victoria Metro in the NAB AFL National 18s Championships at Simonds Stadium in Geelong today, Friday, June 26.

After a 74-point loss to Vic Metro a fortnight ago, WA created a 92-point turnaround to win by 18 points 11.6 (72) to 7.12 (54).

WA was led to victory by three goals from Luke Strnadica and two last quarter goals from Callum Ah Chee, who also had 13 possessions, six marks and four inside 50s.

Brayden Hackett performed well through the midfield with 19 disposals for WA, and Clint Hinchliffe had another solid game with 18 disposals and six clearances.

Sam Petrevski-Seton and Sam Powell-Pepper showed glimpses of why they are rated highly for next year’s draft with 14 disposals each, while Kade Stewart collected 13 disposals and kicked a goal after the siren to cap off the win.

Vic Metro’s best player was Jade Gresham, who worked tirelessly to collect 20 disposals.

The win was WA’s first since a one-point victory in round one, while the Vic Metro loss leaves them at the bottom of the division one table, having only recorded one win.

WA next plays Vic Country on Thursday at Simonds Stadium to close the 2015 under-18 championships.

VIC METRO 0.5 3.6 7.9 7.12 (54)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2.2 3.3 6.4 11.6 (72)

GOALS
Vic Metro: Gresham 2, Kerbatieh, Moore, Crocker, Cuningham, Silvagni
Western Australia: Strnadica 3,Ah Chee 2, Parish 2, Stewart, Schoenfeld, Waterman, Smith

BEST
Vic Metro: Gresham, Perry, O’Kearney, Moore, Morgan
Western Australia: Ah Chee, Petrevski-Seton, Powell-Pepper, Goddard, Strnadica, Hackett, Watson.