AFL Academy has defeated VFL club Coburg Lions by 23 points in a strong showing to close out the two-game series for the best under-18s prospects in the country.
Geelong Falcons co-captain Josh Lindsay was named best-on-ground for the AFL Academy, which never trailed Coburg as the midfielders were able to match it with the senior bodies, giving the forwards plenty of opportunities.
The Lions got within four points early in the last quarter before the AFL Academy hit back with three quick ones to put the game to bed.
Lindsay improved as the game progressed, finishing with 25 disposals, using his run and carry and piercing kicking to set the game up off halfback.
Number one pick contender Willem Duursma's output was much improved from game one, with 20 disposals and eight marks, competing well as a quasi-key defender, while also distributing strongly, before getting some midfield time late.
Eastern Ranges co-skipper Ollie Greeves and South Australia's Dyson Sharp used their size to win plenty of the footy in the contest.
Sharp helped his side take the early ascendancy, with eight disposals in the first eight minutes and 19 in the first half, finishing with 26 touches, five clearances and six tackles, but was at times untidy with his ball use.
Greeves had 22 disposals and four clearances in a balanced performance in the contest and open play.
Beau Addinsall was also consistent across the day with 16 disposals, while fellow Gold Coast Academy player Dylan Patterson finished the game strongly.
Inside 50, Archie Ludowyke looked the most likely target, finishing with 2.2, while Wes Walley's pressure complemented his two goals, and Koby Evans was exciting after missing the first game through injury.
After a quiet start to the season, Oakleigh Chargers tall Louis Emmett was the most impressive ruck for the AFL Academy with 15 disposals, five marks and five clearances.
Cooper Duff-Tytler also had some flashy moments, particularly in the first half, as he continues to stake his claim for the number one pick.
South Australian pair Sam Cumming and Harley Barker and Brisbane Academy prospect and Academy skipper Dan Annable were others to show pleasing signs.
For Coburg, Joel Trudgeon, Donovan Toohey and Max Thompson were among the most impressive, while Mid-Season Draft prospect Cooper Keogh was absent.
Scores
AFL Academy 11.13 79 def. Coburg Lions 8.8 56
Goals
AFL Academy: Archie Ludowyke 2, Wes Walley 2, Cooper Duff-Tytler, Dan Annable, Dyson Sharp, Beau Addinsall, Dylan Patterson, Louis Emmett, Cody Curtin
Coburg: Dom Payman, Jack Andrew, Hugo Bromell, Mitch Podhajski, Donovan Toohey, Ben Crick
Best
AFL Academy: Josh Lindsay, Ollie Greeves, Beau Addinsall, Willem Duursma, Archie Ludowyke, Wes Walley, Dyson Sharp
Coburg: Donovan Toohey, Joel Trudgeon, Dom Payman, Max Thompson, Hugo Bromell
Stay tuned to Zero Hanger for a player-by-player recap from the match and plenty more draft news.
