QUEENSLAND went close to doubling their three-quarter time score with five-final quarter goals, helping them to a 32-point win over Division Two rivals, NSW/ACT in the Under 17 Futures game at Southport.

It was somewhat of an arm-wrestle to open the game as the two sides went goal for goal, seeing the visitors hold a slender one-point margin at the first break. With the advantage of the scoring end, Queensland kicked away to a handy buffer of just under three goals at the main break, but the Rams managed to close the margin to just 10 points at the final change to be in with a huge chance of knocking off the hosts.

Kicking to the scoring end once again, an inspired Queensland came home strongly to seal the victory and showcase their stars for the future.

William Martyn was easily the leading possession getter and best-on with 30 touches coming with 10 tackles, seven marks, six clearances and a goal in a hard working display. Corey Joyce was damaging through the midfield with his 24 disposals, including six marks, four clearances and four rebound 50s. He looks a natural footballer who wins his own ball with a bit of zip. Up forward, Tom Jeffrey put on an outstanding display of marking with nine coming from his 21 disposals to go with six tackles, five inside 50’s and two goals. Jeffrey worked hard up the ground and was strong overhead, while reeling in a highlight reel one-on-one one-hander that had the crowd excited. He worked largely in tandem with Tom Wischnat, who played deeper forward and used his strong frame to boot two of his own goals.

For the Rams, Sydney Swans Academy member Josh Rayner showed why he has been touted as a potential 2019 first rounder as he collected 17 disposals, four clearances, three marks, three tackles and three inside 50s. While his numbers were not massive, Rayner was ultra impressive in the first half with his work rate and attack on the ball, and his big frame came into use as he read the ball well to take some nice overhead marks. Jackson Barling was the Rams’ leading ball winner with 23, doing his best work in-close to rack up six clearances and five tackles while also adding a snapped goal.

Others to impact the game were Lachlan Swaney, who had it 15 times and laid 13 tackles, while Swans Academy teammate Ky McGrath laid an impressive 15.

Final Scores:

Queensland: 11.8 (74) defeated NSW/ACT 5.12 (42)

GOALS:

Queensland: J. Gore 3, T. Jeffrey, T. Wischnat 2, W. Martyn, J. Hammond, B. Birch, L. Barry
NSW/ACT: J. Barling, J. Parks, N. Casalini, L. Delahunty, M. Kannan

BEST:
Queensland: W. Martyn, T. Jeffrey, C. Joyce, T. Wischnat, J. Gore
NSW/ACT: J. Rayner, J. Barling, L. Swaney, L. Parks, M. D’Agostino