Ballarat's Under-18s National Championships double header on Wednesday delivered in spectacular fashion as South Australia won by one point over Vic Country and the Allies defeated Western Australia by six points.
Both games featured momentum swings as plenty of players from across the four teams put their skillset on show.
Western Australia and South Australia conclude the carnival with a 2-2 record, while the Allies finish with a 1-3 record.
Find out about the standout performers below.
South Australia
Jacob McNicol: As he's repeatedly shown throughout the Under-18s National Championships, his willingness to lower the eyes and find a teammate in a better position when he gets the ball in the attacking third was instrumental. Seems to have an extra second with the ball in his hand and never tries to overkick it or do too much. Got rewarded with an important snap goal in the last quarter after a selfless day.
Sam Tassone: Having taken a backseat to Jake Eime throughout the championships, it was Tassone's time to shine on Wednesday. Particularly in the first half, his overlap run, speed and chaining of possession got South Australia going. Is a beautiful kick and backed himself to take the game on. An inside 50 kick to deadeye Jack Slattery was a highlight, as was a ruthless holding the ball tackle on the wing which saved a Vic Country foray forward. A quietly solid contributor throughout the carnival got his time in the spotlight.
Jack Leys (Richmond father-son): A solid if unspectacular game from the Richmond-tied prospect who does everything with a minimum of fuss and has few weaknesses. Took an early contested mark, ran hard, connected well and made good decisions. The highlight of his day was an inside 50 kick to Taj Garrett where he lowered his eyes beautifully.
Kodah Edwards: Some classy moments stood out for the South Australian. Started the day with a centre clearance where he showed his clean hands; floated forward to kick a crucial captain's goal from 50 in the second quarter; laid a holding the ball tackle on Cody Walker in the third term where it seemed no-one could stop him; and showed his aerial prowess with a big mark on Darcy Harrington in the third term.
Memphis Webb: Everything South Australia did in the last quarter seemed to go through Webb, who finished a standout carnival with a bang. His ability to burst free, find space and send the ball forward with purpose was a feature of his game and has the ability to be creative with his decision-making. Also has excellent tackle efficiency, with his strength and technique making it hard for opponents to escape when he applies physical contact.
Jack Slattery: What a carnival he's had. A bag of four, following five and six goal hauls lifts his tally to 16 for the carnival at 88 percent goal kicking accuracy. Has gained comparisons to Logan Morris for his innate forward craft and ability to escape defenders, lead up and gain separation. Had an enticing duel with Clancy Snell, starting his day with a big contested mark on the top 10 prospect. A second quarter snap goal on the boundary evoked memories of Brody Mihocek in the 2023 Grand Final and he continued to pose a threat even beyond a three-goal second quarter where he did most of his damage. Kicked a major in the last quarter and was a threat with his liveliness and even set some attacking chains up with some possessions just outside attacking 50.
Mitch Harris: A pair of big early spoils set the tone for a brilliant day defensively where he proved impossible to beat. When he launches for the footy, he is always going to get hands on it, whether through a big first or strong mark. Also knows when to come forward and defend, reading the cues of inside 50 kickers so well. Took a huge contested mark in the last quarter and had some critical wins as Vic Country pressed to regain the lead.
Ethan Herbert: Lifted with the game on the line in the last quarter, using his imposing presence and ascendancy in ruck contests to get his team on top at centre clearances. Took a couple of big contested marks throughout the game; gathered some loose balls; backed his disposal; and got on top of his direct opponent in the ruck more than the stats would suggest. It was pleasing to see him get a full game playing in the ruck having played second fiddle to Jobe Janeway in the first three games of the carnival.
Harry Franz: It was an interesting carnival for the athletic interceptor, who was overshadowed by some of South Australia's other defenders. He had just the five disposals on Wednesday but halved some important one-on-one duels and responded to a poor error excellently. Attempting to chip backwards, he shanked a kick directly into an opponent's arms, setting up an easy goal. Pleasingly, despite the error, his next five minutes were probably his best of the match as he took a pair of intercept marks and hit a couple of darting passes, showing that he can remain confident and calm and move on quickly from a poor error.
