WA 18s go down to South Australia in Adelaide

Western Australia’s unbeaten start to the AFL National Under-18s Championship has come to an end at the hands of a powerful South Australia at Alberton Oval in Adelaide on Sunday.

After starting the carnival brightly with a thrilling win over Vic Country at home, the Black Swans couldn’t make it two from two after running into a dominant Croweaters outfit who are red-hot favourites to win the title.

South Australia prevailed by 76 points – 17.14 (116) to 6.4 (40) – to go 3-0 for the carnival on the back of seven goals to forward Cameron Nairn.

East Perth talent Luke Hallett was WA’s only multiple goal-kicker in his return from concussion, booting two majors including a classy finish on the run early in the second quarter.

Captain and South Fremantle gun Fred Rodriguez was again among his team’s best in the midfield, leading from the front with 20 disposals, three clearances and three tackles, while his Bulldogs teammate Toby Whan (18 disposals) also battled hard.

Claremont bottom-aged prospect Benji van Rooyen, the younger brother of Melbourne’s Jacob, performed well in the ruck with 14 disposals and six clearances.

West Perth pair Sam Swadling (20 disposals and three inside 50s) and Jacob Farrow (17 and four tackles) were also prominent.

WA’s next assignment is against the Allies at Marvel Stadium on Sunday 29 June.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1.1 3.1 4.2 6.4 (40)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 4.5 7.8 12.12 17.14 (116)

WA goals: L Hallett 2, B Kelly, H Walker, C Watson, T Williams

WA best: F Rodriguez, B van Rooyen, S Swadling, J Farrow, L Hallett, T Whan