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.
Western Australia
Axel Walsh: Took some strong marks and won some important 50-50 battles throughout the afternoon as his reach proved too much for many opponents. Also won a holding the ball free kick and took a pair of intercept marks inside 50 which showcased his read of the play and ability to impact.
Harvey Spawton-Guy: It was a very good championships for Spawton-Guy but feels like he still did not reach the level he can get to. Was his team's liveliest forward across the afternoon, kicking 3.2, two of those goals being walk-in goals after beating his direct opponent, and the third a clutch fourth-quarter set shot. His athleticism, field kicking and ability to work hard up and back were also features.
Noah Braun (West Coast father-son): A first quarter goal from 50 set up a fine afternoon for the left-tooted half forward, who finished with three goals. Has an innate ability to put himself in dangerous spots in attack and has great execution going inside 50, best showcased by a goal assist to Harvey Spawton-Guy in the second quarter. Also kicked a second quarter crumbing goal and proved clean and smart.
Harper Banfield (West Coast father-son): The West Coast father-son prospect was arguably his team's best across the four quarters. Started well with four clearances in a competitive first quarter and showed there were gears to his running throughout the match, getting to plenty of contests and accelerating when necessary. An inside 50 kick to Cooper Ramsay who kicked a goal on championships debut was a highlight as he balanced clean hands with effective kicking.
George Gale: It was a trademark Gale performance, showing balance as an inside and outside midfielder, generating transition and having some huge moments. Perhaps the highlight of the co-captain's day was a penetrating inside 50 kick to Claremont teammate Harvey Spawton-Guy's advantage which resulted in a last quarter major.
Leo Steed: After an influential first half, he spent the third quarter in attack, taking a big contested mark and goal, and the last quarter off the field as he battled illness. Still is surely the favourite to take out Western Australia's MVP. Set up Western Australia's first goal via Finlay Yeo and put the ball on a platter for Axel Walsh inside 50 in the second quarter. Played with his usual competitiveness and his step allowed him to win clearances at will when he got his hands on the footy.
Cam Maynard: Smiler at one end, Cam Maynard at the other as the livewire forward brought out his own backflips. Was energetic and dynamic throughout the game moreso than his stats line may suggest, playing with great hunger and competitiveness when a ball was there to be won in attack. A classy finish from 40 was probably his highlight.
Heath Mellody: After a sizzling midfield showing on Friday, he was given another opportunity to show what he could do in the engine room. His kicking was at its best even under the increased pressure and with the increased fatigue and he assessed his options well and proved he had the substance to win his own ball as well as the outside class. Had some moments where he looked a class above.
Garrison Kenh (West Coast NGA): A statement from the West Coast-tied prospect. A couple of early intercept marks showed his aggression to come forward to defend and then hit some laser-like passes. Provided plenty of overlap too which proved game-breaking, but equally pleasing was his balance between attacking and defending. His defensive application was queried entering the carnival and he had some important wins, with Wednesday's performance a clear step up from the third game, which itself was promising.
