TASMANIA has improved to 2-0 at this year’s AFL Under 16 Development Championships, after downing a fast finishing Brisbane Lions Academy by 19 points at Metricon Stadium. In ideal conditions on the Gold Coast, a scoreless opening term was far from promising, but the Devils clicked into gear with five goals in term two to set up the 9.3 (57) to 5.8 (38) victory.

The Lions booted four of the last six goals of the game after managing just one in the first half, adding a bit of respectability to the scoreline despite suffering their first loss of the carnival. Jett Jessen booted three majors in a losing cause, matched by Tasmanians Jaxon Thorpe and Reiley Banks.

As evidenced by the opening term scoreline, both defences were relatively resolute, with Harry McLeod and Max Roney holding up for the winners, while Wyatt Greenaway and Ryan Gilder did so in maroon, blue and gold. Below, we noted more of the top performers from either side.

TASMANIA 0.0 | 5.1 | 7.2 | 9.3 (57)  
LIONS ACADEMY 0.0 | 1.2 | 4.4 | 5.8 (38)

GOALS:

Tasmania: J. Thorpe 3, R. Banks 3, L. Ling, A. O’Connor, F. Richards
Lions Academy: J. Jessen 3, M. Garaicoa, F. Lay

RMC BEST:

Tasmania: H. McLeod, M. Roney, J. Thorpe, R. Banks, L. Douglas, C. Ling
Lions Academy: T. Fry, J. Jessen, W. Greenaway, B. Richardson, R. Gilder

TASMANIA:

#3 Harry McLeod (North Hobart)
8/06/2006 | 175cm | 72kg | Defender

A key figure in Tasmania’s defence, McLeod played above his size and showcased traits typical of it in an impactful outing. The North Hobart junior accumulated plenty of possessions behind the ball, intercepting his fair share of Brisbane attacks, and setting Tasmania on the front foot on the rebound. His two-way influence throughout the four quarters was noticeable, and one of the reasons why Tasmania conceded so few goals.

#5 Jaxon Thorpe (Kingborough)
25/08/2006 | 176cm | 60kg | Small Forward

One of the sparks for Tasmania’s second term surge, Thorpe snared two of his three goals for the game during said period. He looked lively close to goal and converted his set shots nicely, not afraid to either pluck the ball aerially or put in work at ground level to earn his chances. Thorpe also hunted the opposition defenders, who were happy to maintain possession on the last line, rounding out a solid small forward’s game.

#6 Connor Ling (Brighton)
11/01/2006 | 179cm | 70kg

A mainstay in Tasmania’s midfield, Ling had little trouble getting his hands on the ball and consistently sought to drive it forward from the contest. At this level, his size made him a strong factor at stoppages, and Ling looked to pump the ball long whenever he won possession. He had a chance to hit the scoreboard in term four, but clattered his set shot into the man on the mark.

#7 Lenny Douglas (Devonport)
3/07/2006 | 176cm | 70kg | Midfielder

Another of Tasmania’s starting midfielders, Douglas showcased some nice traits. His kicking was a real feature, proving punchy with low balls into attack time and time again. His ability to step and get to the outside allowed that part of his game to shine, with Douglas one who would have gained among the most metres for his side.

#9 Oliver De Paoli-Kubank (Ulverstone)
24/07/2006 | 172cm | 58kg | Midfielder/Forward

A skinny, but classy on-baller who was utilised in a variety of roles, De Paoli-Kubank backed up his strong Round 1 performance with another promising showing against the Lions. He rotated between the midfield and forward line before shifting to the wing, making good decisions under pressure and displaying clean skills. He may not yet be as quick or powerful as others, but has the natural touch and time to develop over the coming years.

#14 Reiley Banks (Lauderdale)
3/02/2006 | 193cm | 80kg | Tall Forward

Partnering Thorpe inside 50 as the tall to his small, Banks again hit the scoreboard for Tasmania with three goals. After both sides went scoreless in term one, the Lauderdale junior kicked majors in each of the next three quarters with a variety of methods. First, he sat under a high ball to mark and convert, before turning his opponent inside-out and snapping home, and slotting another set shot after a nice leap and mark 20 metres from goal.

#20 Max Roney (North Launceston)
16/03/2006 | 182cm | 64kg | Defender

Another really handy part of Tasmania’s defence, Roney shaped up a touch taller than his 182cm standing but rebounded like a player below that height. He started solidly with good work one-on-one in defensive 50, but looked most effective when jetting out of the last line. He did so well on one occasion in the final term, running the ball with bounces to the wing and unleashing a kick just inside attacking 50.

LIONS ACADEMY:

#3 Tom Fry (Mayne)
10/05/2006 | 181cm | 73kg | Midfielder

Arguably Brisbane’s most prominent and prolific ball winner throughout the game, Fry cracked in at the contest and dished the ball out with high frequency. He hunted the ball well and was most effective at the contest, though could have made better use of some of his rushed kicks out of the packs. With more time and space, he proved a touch sharper in that department.

#16 Jett Jessen (Mt Gravatt)
19/12/2005 | 191cm | 81kg | Tall Forward

Booting three of the Lions’ five goals on Monday, Jessen was a key target up forward and made good on his chances despite signs of rawness. He mistimed a few leaps and kicked the ball a little awkwardly at times, but looked good when it all came together and with marks and set shot conversions. Two of his majors were kicked over the mark, and Jessen used his range to clunk a few nice grabs throughout the game.

#21 Wyatt Greenaway (Mt Gravatt)
14/02/2006 | 186cm | 72kg | Defender

Again combining well with his fellow Lions defenders, Greenaway was one of his side’s more effective rebounders. He timed his runs well to receive and keep the play moving in transition, while also showcasing his strong long kicking. The Mt Gravatt junior was a handy source of support in tight spots, and distributed the ball well throughout the day, with a few intercepts to go with that factor.

#22 Ryan Gilder (Sherwood)
15/05/2006 | 190cm | 79kg | Defender

While his day ended early, Gilder played an important role in defence for the Lions. He took on Tasmania’s deepest and most dangerous forwards at times, proving strong one-on-one with his ability to nudge opponents under the ball and take clean intercept marks. While a taller type, he was mobile enough to move with the ball and create a bit of rebound of his own, before he limped off in term three.

#26 Billy Richardson (Wilston Grange)
10/12/2005 | 194cm | 87kg | Ruck/Key Defender

Like Jessen, Richardson is technically in the over-age category as a 2005 birth, and has looked quite accomplished as far as young key position prospects go. He again rotated through the ruck and was a strong interceptor when shifting behind the ball, reading the play well and proving too big when competing in the air. While not as nimble across the ground, Richardson was effective for the most part when dishing off and often played within those limits.