South Australia’s U18s team has lost its opening AFL National Championships match by one point to Western Australia in Perth on Saturday.
Seeking their third national title in succession, inaccuracy ultimately cost the Croweaters the result at Lathlain Park in WA.
Despite 27 scoring shots to the Sandgropers’ 18, Brenton Phillips’ charges went down 9.18 (72) to 11.7 (73) in a thrilling contest to kick off the 2015 Division One fixture.
SA clawed its way back into the match after a sluggish start and trailed by just three points at the main change.
But a particularly wasteful third term, where the Croweaters booted 2.7, saw South Australia fall agonisingly short at the final siren.
Vice-captain Luke Partington led the way in the midfield and was dominant around the clearances, while fellow leadership group member Aaron Francis showed great presence at both ends of the ground.
West Adelaide’s Hugh Haysman kicked two goals and was a strong contributor. Central Disctricts Wayne Milera was also a constant threat inside 50m.
North Adelaide’s Oleg Markov and Bloods youngster Harrison Westhoff were the two designated over-age players used. Markov kicked a classy goal and Westhoff was solid in defence.
The match was a curtain-raiser to the State Game between SA and WA at the same venue. Crows SANFL skipper Ian Callinan and former Crows Jason Porplyzia and Chris Schmidt all represented the Croweaters in the main event.
South Australia: 1.2 5.6 7.13 9.18 (72)
Western Australia: 3.2 6.3 9.7 11.7 (73)
BEST
South Australia: Partington, Francis, Haysman, Markov, Milera
Western Australia: Hackett, Bennett, Jones, Waterman, Watson, Florenca
GOALS
South Australia: Milera, Haysman 2, Partington, Quinn, Dew, Francis, Hewett
Western Australia: Jones 4, Waterman, Ridley 2, Bennett, Smith, Powell-Pepper
