Woodville-West Torrens forward Jack Slattery kicked four goals in South Australia's last game of the Under-18s National Championships, finishing the carnival with 16 majors.
It was a thrilling 10.15 (75) to 11.8 (74) victory for South Australia, which trailed for most of the afternoon by as much as 30 points before storming home late.
The last 15 minutes were intense as both sides jostled for field position but defended staunchly. Both teams missed gettable opportunities, but a go-ahead behind to South Australian skipper and first-round prospect Kodah Edwards at the 23-minute-mark proved the most decisive.
Three of those Slattery goals came in quick succession in the second quarter to keep his side alive as they were down by a five-goal deficit due mostly to their poor goalkicking.
One thing the 191cm forward provides in spades is accuracy, converting 88 per cent of his scoring shots into goals.
One of those second-term majors evoked memories of Brody Mihocek's stunning checkside in the first quarter of the 2023 Grand Final, while his trademark ability to hit up and escape his direct opponent with excellent forward smarts was on display.
Another was a critical mark inside 50 in the last quarter, keeping South Australia within a kick and giving his side momentum at a critical juncture.
"He's exciting when he gets the ball in his area," Eagles reserves coach Kieran Sankey told Zero Hanger last month.
Slattery is an over-ager and has been playing reserves SANFL footy this year.
"I've been impressed with his craft work as a key forward, and if there's a one-on-one, he's pretty hard to stop. The way he goes about his leading patterns and way he moves his body and shifts his opponent is crafty and innovative," Sankey said.
Last year was Slattery's first in the Talent Pathway, part of Woodville's Under-18s squad, where he was solid, kicking 15 goals in 11 games in between strong school footy.
"As a young kid coming up, part of the growth is putting size on his frame. The way he manipulates his opposition through his body positioning and bodywork gives him every chance of winning one-on-ones, which is why he wins one-on-ones despite being a slighter frame than other players,” Sankey added.
"I see him at league or AFL level as a hybrid connect forward more than he is as a key forward."
Slattery's Woodville-West Torrens teammate Mitch Harris led the backline authoritatively throughout the afternoon.
A big contested mark late in the game kept Vic Country from having a scoring shot to give them the lead, following an excellent day of defending in marking contests with his 10-disposal count belying his true impact.
"Mitch makes good decisions on when to go for his marks and when to spoil. He doesn't get outmarked very often, and his decision-making in aerial contests is really good," Eagles Under-18s coach Shane Reardon told Zero Hanger in May.
Big man Jobe Janeway's exclusion from the last game of the Under-18s National Championships allowed recruiters a look at Ethan Herbert as a starting ruck.
The hitouts were split relatively evenly between himself and Vic Country's Jackson O'Brien, who kicked a first-quarter goal.
Herbert's disposal and impact around the ground made him an important contributor to South Australia.
Richmond father-son prospect Jack Leys continued his strong carnival, mixing composed moments in the backline with potent moments forward of centre to show his work rate as a winger.
After a starring first half of the season at Talent League level, Jacob McNicol has proven a forward half threat
Sam Tassone was another to enhance his stocks in the last game of the Under-18s National Championships, finishing with 22 disposals and generating plenty of counter-attack out of defence.
Taking a backseat to Central District's Jake Eime – the state's frontrunner to win the MVP - for most of the carnival, on Wednesday it was his turn to show his electric skillset.
Like Richmond's Sam Cumming, he is from Victoria's remote north-western Sunraysia region, hailing from Irymple Football Club.
He will board at the prestigious Prince Alfred College while playing SANFL Under-18s footy for North Adelaide.
The match was the last time South Australian coach Tony Bamford was in charge of the Crow Eaters.
Carlton father-son prospect Cody Walker was best afield for Vic Country, finishing with 35 disposals.
Zero Hanger will have full notes on each standout player from the doubleheader on Thursday morning.
