THE UNDER 23 All-Stars have produced a rousing result in today’s showcase fixture against the AFLW Under 18 Academy, scraping home to win by two points at Marvel Stadium. Played at a fast pace with equal parts physicality and skill, the game proved a fitting display of the AFLW’s next generation.

It was a conclusion which went down to the wire, as Alyssia Pisano gave the Academy a sniff with her goal in the dying stages. Though having fought back into the lead in term four after Lauren Young‘s third quarter masterclass, the slightly more senior side held on for an upset victory.

Earlier, Lila Keck got the National Academy off to an ideal start, looking lively around goal and snapping the game’s opening six-pointer. Momentum soon swung as All-Stars skipper Dominique Carbone kicked her side into gear, booting two first half majors to give them a slender lead at the main break.

With the pressure gauge set to high, the cream rose to the top in term three as Young snared two high class scores to put the Academy in front. The South Australian was swung forward having previously dominated at full back. Her second major was a flukey bouncer which snuck in over the back.

Though the game was on the line and the Academy could have been forgiven for protecting their lead, the exuberant youngsters continued to play the game in the right spirit. They moved the ball quickly and looked to take risks, even if their execution began to wane. When it came off, they celebrated with gusto.

In a tense and physical crescendo which featured a bunch of desperate defending, Nyakoat Dojiok marked deep and converted a clutch set shot to put the All-Stars ahead, proving the decisive moment amid a thrilling finish.

Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards were handed out on either side, with Dandenong Stingrays product Brooke Smith earning said honours for the victors, while GWS Giants Academy star and vice-captain Melanie Staunton was adjudged best afield for the Under 18s.

Both players notched 17 disposals in strong four-quarter efforts, with Smith also registering seven rebound 50s and five tackles in her role across half-back. Staunton was stationed in the forward half and worked hard to also claim three clearances.

Elsewhere, speedy Queenslanders Sienna McMullen and Sophie Peters had their moments for the Academy, while star South Australian pair Young and Shineah Goody were all class with ball in hand. Dandenong Stingrays utility Mikayla Williamson also stepped up to the occasion.

Carbone joined Smith as the victors’ best players, supported by the likes of tough operators Chloe Adams and Charlotte Simpson out of the famed Geelong Falcons region. Dojiok was also terrific in the second half as her side’s attacking spearhead and saviour.

AFLW ACADEMY 1.3 | 3.4 | 5.5 | 6.6 (42)
U23 ALL-STARS 2.2 | 4.2 | 5.3 | 6.8 (44)

GOALS:

AFLW Academy: L. Young 2, A. Pisano 2, L. Keck, G. Clark
U23 All-Stars: D. Carbone 2, C. Adams, A. Jordan, L. Jordan, N. Dojiok

RMC BEST:

AFLW Academy: M. Staunton, L. Young, S. McMullen, S. Goody, M. Williamson, S. Peters
U23 All-Stars: B. Smith, D. Carbone, C. Adams, C. Simpson, N. Dojiok, M. Robertson

MVPs
AFLW Academy: Mel Staunton
U23 All-Stars: Brooke Smith