SOUTH Australia has kicked off the Under 18 National Championships with a thrilling two-goal win over reigning champions, the Allies at Thebarton Oval today. Having trailed for much of the match, the hosts drew level at three-quarter time and kicked away with the final three goals to salute 13.9 (87) to 11.9 (75).

Father-son prospects were at the forefront of South Australia’s victory, with twin Carlton hopefuls Ben and Lucas Camporeale combining for 50 disposals, while Adelaide-tied key forward Tyler Welsh booted three goals – including the cherry atop his side’s win after the siren.

Bottom-aged gun Dyson Sharp (25 disposals, nine clearances) showed out in the dramatic comeback, and mid-season draft candidate Noah Howes did his chances no harm with two majors. Small forward Evan Bradley (three goals) was also crucial in keeping the Croweaters alive early.

Northern Academy products featured prominently for the Allies as 2023 title winner Leonardo Lombard dominated with 27 touches, eight inside 50s and a goal, while Lions Academy midfielders Samuel Marshall (29 disposals) and Daniel Annable (23) were also prolific.

Allies captain Joshua Murphy spearheaded the effort with 3.2 from just eight disposals and five marks in what was his first game back from a local league suspension. His third major put the visitors seven points ahead with over half the fourth quarter elapsed, only for South Australia hit back emphatically.

Murphy and Bradley nabbed doubles in the opening term before either side went goal for goal. A trend appeared over the first three quarters where the Allies would score first, but they never kicked more than two goals in a row. South Australia did so in two crucial second-half momentum shifts to take the game.

The Allies will next travel back to the Eastern seaboard for a meeting with Western Australia in Blacktown on Sunday June 2. South Australia’s next outing comes against Vic Country to round out a double-header at IKON Park on Sunday June 9.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 3.2 | 5.5 | 9.7 | 13.9 (87)
ALLIES 5.4 | 7.5 | 9.7 | 11.9 (75)

GOALS:
South Australia: T. Welsh 3, E. Bradley 3, N. Howes 2, J. Newton 2, H. Barker, S. Cumming, C. Nicholls
Allies: J. Murphy 3, O. Depaoli-Kubank 2, O. Dean, J. Delana, T. Gallop, T. Stanley, Z. Uwland, L. Lombard

BEST:
South Australia: D. Sharp, E. Bradley, A. Clarke, J. Sheean, B. Camporeale, L. Camporeale
Allies: L. Lombard, S. Marshall, D. Annable, N. Sulzberger, Z. Uwland, J. Murphy

2024 AFL U18s FIXTURE