THE BRISBANE Lions Academy’s Pool B title defence ended on a positive note, as they defeated the Giants Academy by 15 points in today’s Under 16 National Championships clash at Fankhauser Reserve. The result sees the Lions finish their campaign with a 2-1 record, good enough for third place.

An inaccurate start saw the Giants post seven behinds in the opening quarter, only for Brisbane to skip up the other end and bag a major. The Lions established a 10-point lead at the main break and after going level pegging in term three, held their nerve despite GWS’ challenge early in the fourth.

The Giants finished their carnival with a 1-2 record after knocking off the Suns Academy on Monday. Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards were handed out for both sides, going to Lions midfielder Matthew Owen and Giants defender Charlie Harper. The Pool B MVP will be announced early next week.

LIONS ACADEMY 1.1 | 4.6 | 6.9 | 8.13 (61)
GIANTS ACADEMY 0.7 | 2.8 | 4.11 | 5.16 (46)

GOALS:
Lions Academy: N. Cameron 2, H. McPherson 2, O. Tanks, J. Moss, E. Duke, N. Rafter
Giants Academy: B. Latanis, J. Borghouts, T. Longmire, H. Bromson, L. Fettell

BEST:
Lions Academy: M. Owen, C. Murray, N. Cameron, O. Tanks, N. Rafter, H. Paterson
Giants Academy: C. Harper, I. Conlan, J. Steele, L. Roberts, Z. Lambert, B. Latanis

MVPs:
Lions Academy: Matthew Owen (Victoria Point)
Giants Academy: Charlie Harper (EMCU)

BRISBANE LIONS ACADEMY:

#1 Noah Cameron
Small Forward | 169cm | 04/12/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 9 inside 50s, 2 goals

A zippy small who caused headaches for the Giants in attacking phases, Cameron’s agility was complimented by hard running. He worked high up the ground and looked to make things happen on the way back to goal, sparking several scoring chains and even getting in position for his own chances. While his conversion was hit or miss, Cameron’s energy and productivity were consistent.

#4 Oscar Tanks
Midfielder | 174cm | 02/02/2007

Stats: 20 disposals, 6 clearances, 1 goal

Tanks helped set the tone for Brisbane’s clearance dominance in the first half, winning first possession with clean and efficient extraction work. While his kicking was less neat, the midfielder bagged a set shot goal in term two and favoured going by hand with his 13 contested possessions. Living up to his name, Tanks also dished out a solid it or two and waxed well with his teammates.

#7 Matthew Owen
Midfielder | 178cm | 01/03/2008

Stats: 32 disposals, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s

Prolific as ever, Owen racked up a game-high 32 disposals which ended up being his average for the carnival. The Lions Academy MVP was absolutely everywhere at times, being fed 17 handball receives almost as a quarterback at the contest. Much like Tanks, he shared the ball well in close circles and chained his possessions on stoppage exits, wheeling away at will. His sharp movement and work by hand were particularly evident in a monster 14-disposal opening quarter.

#10 Cooper Hodge
Defender/Midfielder | 179cm | 26/07/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 5 tackles, 5 inside 50s

While Hodge had a relatively quiet day by his standards, he showcased traits indicative of his family name. The son of Luke utilised his booming boot to have clearances carry inside forward 50, capping off clean and tough work in midfield. Even when posted down back, he liked to run past teammates and help launch direct attacks through the corridor. One of Hodge’s best moments saw him bust a gut and throw himself at the ball to mark just inside the boundary in term two.

#14 Archie Watts
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 30/06/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 5 inside 50s

A rangy running type of player, Watts got his turn through midfield but also benefitted from the Lions’ dominance there when operating forward of the ball. He worked into dangerous areas as an outlet when Brisbane either cleared the ball or transitioned it quickly, seeing him get over the back and give flow to his side’s scoring chains.

#16 Caylen Murray
Midfielder | 183cm | 03/01/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 6 marks, 6 clearances

Second only to Owens for disposals, Murray also ran level with Tanks for an equal game-high six clearances. While capable of prising first possession, Murray’s movement also made him a productive player outside of the stoppages where he could take ground on the attack. He had little trouble finding the ball all day and added some bite to his kicking, albeit at 50 per cent efficiency.

#21 Hamish Paterson
Defender | 184cm | 09/03/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 14 kicks, 8 rebound 50s

Paterson had somewhat of an old school look about him down back. He made a great start to proceedings with nine disposals in the opening quarter, taking on Brisbane’s kick-in duties and attempting to launch from the last line. Paterson was effective when playing the percentages defensively, taking up good positions behind the ball and competing when his name was called.

GWS GIANTS ACADEMY:

#12 Jaxon Steele
Defender | 178cm | 04/01/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 2 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Steele led his side’s disposal count for much of the day after collecting 16 of his 22 touches in the first half. The agile defender was most effective at shifting through traffic or carving a way forward off the last line, having taken on some of the kick-in duties. His productive carries were laden with poise, as Steele never blazed away and stayed calm in crises by utilising his teammates’ support.

#13 Jesse Borghouts
Forward | 178cm | 22/02/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles

Borghouts popped up at important moments for the Giants, including with a breakthrough opening goal at the start of the second quarter. He displayed great power and strong hands up forward, taking his opportunities in a prominent first half. While Borghouts’ kicking action looked a little unorthodox, it was effective when shooting on goal or hitting targets inside 50.

#23 Zach Lambert
Defender | 181cm | 06/05/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 5 rebound 50s

A smooth moving defender, Lambert operated off a high line and was constantly there to spark counter-attacks once possession changed hands. He proved capable of making his own interceptions but also became a playmaker when feeding off others’. Lambert also went at 100 per cent efficiency with his nine handballs, showing good touch in short bursts.

#29 Tex Longmire
Forward | 183cm | 16/10/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 tackles, 1 goal

Longmire again caused headaches with his movement and physicality, balancing his game nicely up forward. He applied defensive pressure and was dangerous within range of goal, though could only manage one major from four scoring shots. His powerful running up along the wing and solid hits made him a difficult matchup in every phase of play, with only that end product missing at times.

#30 Bailey-Dean Latanis
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 07/12/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal

Once again the Giants’ most prolific player, Latanis was lively in attacking phases and caught the eye with his explosive running. The midfielder-forward looked to take the game on at all costs and while his kicking was awkward at times, he gained valuable territory for the Giants all day. Latanis’ second quarter goal was a beauty, as he made an energetic surge towards goal, took a bounce and baulked his opponent before converting. Full of raw potential.

#38 Charlie Harper
Defender | 187cm | 23/01/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 10 marks, 9 rebound 50s

Harper earned MVP honours for the Giants after another terrific display down back. He took 10 marks for the day and while all were adjuged uncontested, several were intercepts and indicative of how well he read the play. Harper also provided good bounce out of the backline, able to carry the ball and chain up possessions with help from teammates. Whether high or deep, the defender made his presence felt in what was a well-rounded performance.

#48 Harper Bromson
Tall Forward | 191cm | 26/03/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 7 marks, 1 goal

Bromson ran out the game strongly with six disposals, five marks and a goal in the final quarter, having previously been relatively well contained. His marking was clean as usual, moving well to hit up at half-forward and pluck the ball at the top of his reach or with separation on the lead. Bromson’s goal came on the end of a 50m penalty, though he still had to convert from about 45 out.