The South Australian Under 18 team firmed as favourites for the 2010 NAB U18 National Championships after a crushing victory over the NT Thunder.
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South Australia thrashed Northern Territory 22.16 (148) to 7.10 (52) in perfect conditions for footy on Saturday night at TIO Stadium. The win is South Australia’s second in a row for the 2010 NAB AFL U18s Championships. Thunder got off to the perfect start with Dean Staunton finding space and running in to boot a long goal. It was all one way traffic after that as SA outclassed Thunder in most facets of the game. At quarter time the Croweaters’ dominance was reflected on the scoreboard as they led by 37 points. Squandered opportunities in front of goal led to the home side kicking an inaccurate 1.5 for the quarter while the SA team further increased the margin. SA was too big and strong around the ball and in the air and an absolute drubbing was on the cards at three quarter time as they booted a further seven goals for the quarter. NT showed some grit and determination in the last quarter and managed to break even on the scoreboard to keep the margin less than 100 points.
It was always going to be a tough ask for the NT side. South Australia is a more established football state and historically division two sides have struggled against states in division one. The South Australian squad, coached by Brenton Phillips, included eight players that had league football experience in the tough SANFL competition. Their experience was shown highly rated Woodville-West Torrens player Jared Polec floating through the middle and Darcy Armfield (Glenelg) and Jamie Solly (Port Adelaide), who combined for 11 goals. Rangy defender Zak Fitzgerald was solid down back while likely top-three draft selection Sam Day produced glimpses of his ability.
Northern Territory felt the absence of suspended co-captain Steven May up forward and was forced into playing a small forward line. This enabled South Australia to launch a springboard attack with their smooth ball transition from the back line. Despite the loss there were some positives to take out of the match for the NT boys. Overage player Shannon Rioli found plenty of the ball early and Dean Staunton was tenacious around the middle. Alex Johnson was committed as always and attacked the ball ferociously and Jack McEwin was serviceable in a variety of roles. Thunder has a one-week rest before travelling to Aurora Stadium to face Tasmania.
By Jackson Clark