While Vic Metro may have fallen short in the final game of the AFL Under-18 Championships against South Australia, it wasn’t surprising to see Calder Cannons and Western Jets players again among the best.
The South Australians secured back to back championships with the 11.13 (79) to 10.10 (70) win at Simmonds Stadium on Thursday.
For the Metro side, of which half was from the Cannons and Jets, it was Jets’ Jayden Laverde with three goals who was the standout.
Captain and Cannon Touk Miller kicked two goals.
In total 13 players, seven from the Cannons and six from the Jets, played for Metro in its six games.
Cannons coach Andrew Jago said before the final game he had been relatively happy with how his players performed at the higher level.
The club’s representatives were led by Miller and potential top five draft pick Pete Wright.
Matt Goodyear, Paul Ahern, Damian Cavka, Ben Allan and Nick O’Kearney were also part of the squad. All but O’Kearney played in the last game.
“The boys have worked hard enough to have one of our players named in the best each game,” Jago said.
“Matt Goodyear played well in the first game, Pete Wright has stood out as has Damian Cavka and Paul Ahern.
“Ben Allan held his spot in the 25 as well.”
He said two of the club’s lesser known players had really shone, in Ahern and Cavka.
“They did what we expected them to do, but they have painted themselves in a different light to those outside the club.
“Paul has been the stand-out; he’s been more consistent. He has always done the flashy things but then had down periods, but now he is having more impact across games.
“They have both enhanced their prospects, after starting the carnival with more questions about them than the others.”
Jago said the experience had helped his players come together with others who were usually their opponents.
“Ahern and Corey Ellis are becoming great mates. If they were playing TAC Cup this week, they would be opponents.
“Its helped then recognise that friendships in football can go beyond being teammates.”
Jets coach Torin Baker is just as pleased with charges’ performances.
Connor Menadue, Brenton Payne, Dillon Viojo Rainbow, Corey Ellis, Liam Duggan and Jayden Laverde all played in for Metro.
Another Jet, Doum Dawam, was part of the Northern Terroirty team.
“All six made the squad of 25 for the final two games,” Baker said.
“Dillon is one that besides one game he has been consistent.
“Corey and Liam have been brilliant at times, while Jayden has played multiple positions and Connor has stood up and played well at times.”
It’s key forward Payne that has impressed Baker the most.
“The one player who really stood out is Brenton Payne. He really consistent up forward with 11 goals in 4 games. [He kicked one goal in the final match].
“Getting an opportunity as a forward sometimes is difficult.
“He is a lead-up forward and sometimes when you have the presence of someone like Wright, you may not get much of the ball.
“Brenton has been good in the contested marks and leading up to the ball. He also has played back a little.”
Baker said his players spoke about the increased intensity and ferociousness of the game.
“The first step is being able to play good footy at TAC Cup and then they need to perform at the national level,” he said.
“From our point of view, the players have ticked the boxes.”
