Torrens University SA U18 team defeated by Western Australia

By ZAC MILBANK

The Torrens University SA U18 team has had its colours lowered by Western Australia in Game 4 of the AFL National Championships in Perth.

Seeking to build on the momentum gained with a spirited win against Victoria Country in Game 3 last Sunday, the Croweaters battled hard to trim their deficit to just three points at half-time at Optus Stadium.

But a damaging third quarter from the Sandgropers, in which they kicked 3.2 to SA’s two behinds, proved pivotal as they extended their advantage in the fourth quarter.

SA’s Bodie Ryan was adjudged as the Croweaters’ best player for the second match in succession, collecting 13 disposals and four tackles while fellow defender Will Patton was another strong contributor.

The Croweaters’ captain tallied 19 disposals and a significant 11 rebound 50s as he battled hard against the tide in the backline.

Under-age midfielder Sid Draper capped off his brilliant carnival to be SA’s leading disposal-winner with 20 while also collecting eight inside 50s.

Hard-running Loch Rawlinson and talls Will McCabe and Patrick Weckert also drew praise from coach Tony Bamford and his coaching panel.

Strong-marking forward Tyler Welsh followed up his five-goal haul in Game 3 with another two against WA, to be his side’s only multiple goal scorer.

SA finishes its 2023 campaign with a 1-3 win-loss record, earning a victory against Victoria Country at Ikon Park in Game 3.

Draper’s outstanding campaign was rewarded with the SA’s MVP award while also joining skipper Patton as the Croweaters’ two players selected in the AFL U18 All Australian team.

Saturday June 24
Game 4 – AFL U18 National Championships
Optus Stadium, Perth

Western Australia  4.2  4.5  7.7  10.10 (70)

South Australia  2.1  4.2  4.4  6.6 (42)

BEST – SA: Bodie Ryan, Sid Draper, Will Patton, Loch Rawlinson, Patrick Weckert, Will McCabe

GOALS – SA: Tyler Welsh 2, Kane McAuliffe, Phoenix Hargrave, Jack Delean, Loch Rawlinson

SA MVP – Sid Draper (South Adelaide)

SA ALL AUSTRALIANS – Sid Draper (South Adelaide), Will Patton (West Adelaide)