SA U18 Girls defeat Victoria Metro

By ZAC MILBANK

The SA U18 Girls team flexed its muscle in ominous fashion against Victoria Metro, eclipsing its arch-rival by 58 points in Game 2 of the AFL National Championships in Melbourne.

Now boasting a 2-0 win-loss record after defeating Western Australia by 35 points in Game 1, the Croweaters were untroubled throughout the contest as they displayed their superior skill and strength at Werribee’s Avalon Airport Oval.

South Australia’s star forward Lauren Young set the tone early by booting the first two goals of the game, en route to a standout performance which resulted in her registering five goals from her 17 disposals, nine marks, three inside 50s and and two goal assists.

SA forward India Rasheed roamed the half-forward line to damaging affect to finish with 26 disposals and two goals while also regularly searching for her teammates.

Captain Piper Window (20 disposals) and her band of fellow midfielders did plenty of the heavy lifting as Holly Ifould (19 disposals), Shineah Goody (18 disposals), Elaine Grigg (18 disposals) and Brooke Boileau (15 disposals) used the ball effectively.

Key defenders Charlotte Riggs and Poppy Scholz not only intercepted in fine fashion but also provided plenty of rebound as Victoria was kept to just four goals for the game.

SA will now prepare for its third and final match against Queensland next Saturday at Adelaide Oval from 4.20pm, a curtain-raiser for the Adelaide v GWS AFL match.

Sunday July 9
Game 2 – AFL U18 Girls National Championships
Avalon Airport Oval, Melbourne

South Australia  2.2  6.4  9.6  13.8 (86)

Victoria Metro  1.2  1.3  2.4  4.4 (28)

BEST – SA: India Rasheed, Holly Ifould, Lauren Young, Piper Window, Jemma Whittington-Charity, Charlotte Riggs

GOALS – SA: Lauren Young 5, India Rasheed 2, Violet Patterson, Melissa Anderson, Ruby Ballard, Piper Window, Jasmine Evans, Sophie Eaton