WESTERN Australia has taken out the 2009 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships after defeating Vic Country by 48 points at Docklands on Wednesday.
The lads from the west were challenged early and led by just one point at half-time before accelerating away to finish 16.14 (110) to 9.8 (62), meaning they finished the championships undefeated.
With the game in the balance, the Western Australians booted five goals to one in the third quarter to effectively seal the win.
Dustin Martin was the chief architect of the early Vic Country challenge with 20 first-half possessions. He slowed in the second half to finish with 28 touches and a goal, but was still his side's most damaging player.
Travis Colyer put in an eye-catching performance for WA with 23 possessions and five clearances. He went inside 50 on seven occasions and showed excellent poise in traffic to boot two goals.
David Swallow (18 touches) and Anthony Morabito (17) were also prime movers around the stoppages each with five clearances.
Big Jack Darling impressed up forward for Western Australia with his strong attack on the ball and finished with three goals to lead all goalkickers on the day. Brandon Matera, son of Wally and nephew of Phil and Peter, proved a dangerous crumber and finished with two majors.
Ben Cunnington (23 disposals) and Koby Stevens (20) were prominent through the middle for Vic Country and both booted a goal.
Highly-touted tall forward John Butcher, reported to be carrying a hand injury, had one of his quieter days for Vic Country and finished with six possessions and two goals.
DETAILS
Vic Country 3.3 6.4 7.5 9.8 (62)
Western Australia 1.4 6.5 11.13 16.14 (110)
GOALS
Vic Country: Butcher 2, Martin, Cunnington, Ko. Stevens, Bastinac, Rohan, Peters, Vardy
Western Australia: Darling 3, Colyer 2, Morabito 2, Neates 2, Matera 2, Duncan, Hutchings, Cripps, Winmar, Fyfe
Vic Country: Martin, Cunnington, Rohan, Ko. Stevens, Bastinac
Western Australia: Colyer, Swallow, Lucas, Morabito, Darling
