OVER the past few days, the biggest story in NSW/ACT was the National Diversity Championships, where the All Nations and Kickstart sides competed against every other Australian state and territory in a three-day series. Both sides picked up a win and gained invaluable experience in the process.

National Diversity Championships:

The New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT) All Nations and Kickstart sides finished the three-day tournament with a win each in what was a great experience for the footballers. The NSW/ACT All Nations side had to wait until the final day to get a victory, but it was worth it, claiming a one-point thriller over the Northern Territory thanks to a goal from Thomas Sase. In earlier games, the NSW/ACT side were competitive across the games with Victoria the only side to win by more than four goals. For the Kickstart team, a first-up victory against Queensland and a competitive effort against Victoria where they went down by just five points, ensured they started the tournament on the right foot. While they were well beaten by the other states in the final two days, they never gave in.

For more information on the National Diversity Championships, including reports and results, head to the AFL NSW/ACT website, or to go to individual days, see:

Sunday, April 15
Monday, April 16
Tuesday, April 17

All Nations results:

NSW/ACT 1.0 (6) lost to Tasmania 4.5 (29)
NSW/ACT 3.2 (20) lost to South Australia 3.4 (22)
NSW/ACT 2.4 (16) lost to Queensland 3.5 (23)
NSW/ACT 2.0 (12) lost to Victoria 9.5 (59)
NSW/ACT 6.4 (40) defeated Northern Territory 6.3 (39)
NSW/ACT 1.3 (9) lost to Western Australia 5.6 (36)

Kickstart results:

NSW/ACT  5.0 (30) defeated Queensland 4.3 (27)
NSW/ACT 4.1 (25) lost to Victoria 4.7 (31)
NSW/ACT 3.1 (19) lost to South Australia 10.7 (67)
NSW/ACT 1.0 (6) lost to Tasmania 11.3 (69)
NSW/ACT 1.1 (7) lost to Western Australia 14.9 (93)
NSW/ACT 2.1 (13) lost to Northern Territory 9.3 (57)

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NEAFL results

April 7

Canberra Demons 13.5 (83) defeated by Sydney University 11.25 (91)

Sydney University got the job done against Canberra Demons despite a late scare in the final term. The visitors got away to a flyer to lead by 18 points at the first break, before Canberra piled on six goals to one in the second term, with Sydney University misfiring with the single goal coming from seven scoring shots. Trailing by eight points at the half, Sydney University booted 5.8 to 2.0 to take an 18-point lead once again with a quarter to play. Hitting back hard in the final term the Demons almost got back in front, but ultimately fell short as the visitors won 11.25 (91) to 13.5 (83) at Allinsure Park. Sydney arguably should have won by more given they had double the scoring shots of their opponents (36-18).

Mitch Maguire was nominated for the NEAFL Rising Star award after a terrific performance in the loss, booting three goals and was a clear standout. Others that impressed for Canberra were Nathan Richards and Lucas Meline, both of whom booted a goal each. For the winners, Sam Fong was named Sydney’s best, while Austin Lucy and Darcy Baron-Hay were also impressive. Jacob Derickx was the focal point up forward, finishing the game with four goals. Canberra had a bye this weekend after playing their round two match on Good Friday.

April 14

Sydney University 16.13 (109) defeated Redland 10.13 (73)

Sydney University remained undefeated in the NEAFL after an impressive 36-point victory over Redland at Henson Park on the weekend. In what was a fairly even contest in the first half, the home side broke away in the second half, booting eight goals to four, including five goals to two in the final quarter to secure the 16.13 (109) to 10.13 (73) win. Former Collingwood AFL player Tom Young continued his good form with four majors and named among the best, as was Austin Lucy who backed up his round one form. Others who were named in the best include Adam Gulden and Sam Fong, who is another player who has been sensational in the early parts of the season. Damien Bonney booted four goals to be another key player up forward.

Brisbane Lions 19.10 (124) defeated Sydney Swans 10.14 (74)

Sydney Swans reserves fell away in the second half against Brisbane Lions, going down by 50 points. Brisbane piled on 12 goals to three after half-time and went from a six-point deficit to a big win with 13 individual goalkickers. Darcy Cameron and Ben Ronke booted two goals each for the Swans, while Robbie Fox, Harry Marsh and Tom McCartin were named among Sydney’s best in the defeat.

Gold Coast Suns 14.9 (93) defeated GIANTS 11.6 (72)

Gold Coast Suns proved too good for the UWS GIANTS despite a spirited effort throughout the match. The first quarter of four goals to one in favour of the Suns proved to be the difference in the 27-point loss. Isaac Cumming starred for the Giants with 30 disposals and six marks, while Matthew Flynn had a whopping 51 hitouts and two goals from 13 disposals, and Zach Sproule finished with 22 disposals, six marks and seven tackles.