IN Western Australia’s second scratch match before the Under 18 National Championships, the Black Ducks earned a strong win against Subiaco’s reserves, getting up 71 to 38. After a slow start for both teams, the game opened up in the second half, with the state team pulling away.

Starting with the backline, it was talented key defender Jedd Busslinger who stood out with his usual intercepting and rebounding game. Returning from his stint in the East Perth League side, Busslinger was a general, controlling the backline along with Claremont half-backs Sam Gilbey and Rohan MacNeill – the latter of whom took plenty of intercept marks and despite his laconic style, looked composed and skilful.

The deep WA midfield had plenty go through there, including the likes of Steely Green, Darcy Jones, Reuben Ginbey, Griff Julian and Elijah Hewett. They all got a taste up forward as well, with Green and Hewett hitting the scoreboard. West Perth tall midfielder Kane Bevan used his height around the ground to take some nice marks and Hewett offered plenty of power and pressure in the middle in one of his stronger games this year.

The midfielders were well fed as Jackson Broadbent offered plenty in the ruck both with his hitouts and skills around the ground. What really impressed with Broadbent was his ability to hit the scoreboard, kicking two nice goals, and if he can continue to do so his draft stocks will only soar.

In attack, it was big key forward Corey Tregenza-Cashell who proved the standout, kicking a team-high three goals. He provided a great option as a strong target leading up at the ball and taking clean marks. He looks a shrewd inclusion to the squad.

>> SA vs. Allies: Match Report | Scouting Notes

In the first official championships game, it was South Australia who took out a comfortable victory over the Allies. The two standouts for the game were tall midfielder Mattaes Phillipou and talented tall forward Isaac Keeler, with both players the major goal kickers for their side. Phillipou looked all class in the windy conditions with his composure and clean hands real highlights, while Keeler’s athleticism allowed him to also pinch hit in the ruck and show his versatility.

For the Allies, they had an even spread from half-back with the likes of Lachlan Cowan and Jason Gillbee offering plenty of drive. Meanwhile, goal kicking midfielder Harry Rowston showed his ability to find space inside 50 and convert some nice set shots. SA was missing a few good players, with the likes of Kobe Ryan, Harry Barnett, and Nick Sadler to come back into the side against Vic Country having sat out through Covid protocols.