SYDNEY Swans Academy moved to 2-0 in the Under 16 National Championships after claiming a 52-point win over Northern Territory at People First Stadium today. The victors owned field position to post five unanswered first half goals, but were a touch wasteful and didn’t have it all their own way thereafter.

Both sides found their kicking boots in term three to post a hat-trick of goals each, in what was a much more competitive and end-to-end period. The Swans outlasted their opponents though, reestablishing a dominant margin with the last three goals of the game to win comfortably, 11.13 (79) to 4.3 (27.)

SYDNEY SWANS ACADEMY 1.4 | 5.9 | 8.9 | 11.13 (79)
NORTHERN TERRITORY 0.2 | 0.2 | 3.2 | 4.3 (27)

GOALS:
Swans Academy: A. McCartney 3, J. O’Loughlin 3, B. Pignatelli 3, O. Griffiths, H. Meaney
Northern Territory: G. Trigwell 2, M. Albert, N. Bourke-Miler

BEST:
Swans Academy: O. Griffiths, C. Beavis, C. Blackwell-Smith, L. Titmuss, J. O’Loughlin, G. Jenkin
Northern Territory: K. Russell, T. Murray, E. Bush, N. Bourke-Miler, N. Lampton, D. Summerville

SYDNEY SWANS ACADEMY:

#1 James O’Loughlin
Small Forward | 178cm | 22/12/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 3 goals

One of three father-son prospects running around for the Swans, O’Loughlin (son of Michael) is also tied to the club. The 2007-born forward is an over-ager in this category and despite missing some of his usual zip, snared three goals with some crafty work inside 50. He got into good scoring positions and managed to convert half his chances, with the cleanest being a first quarter snap.

#14 William Jenkin
Wing/Defender | 174cm | 25/11/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 tackles, 7 rebound 50s

Operating on the opposite wing to twin brother Guy, William Jenkin played the role ideally before being shifted to defence after half-time. His work rate and smarts made him a reliable outlet to carve up the Northern Territory in transition, with Jenkin’s hard running adding a spark on the outside. He went on to produce some great defensive efforts while still offering the same offensive drive.

#18 Leon Titmuss
Forward | 174cm | 07/03/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 7 marks, 6 inside 50s

While the stats show he went at under 60 per cent kicking efficiency, some of Titmuss’ distribution in attacking phases was outstanding. He played the high forward role well, working up the ground and gaining possession in dangerous launch zones where he could pick out targets going inside 50. In that regard, his aggressive decision making was an asset in a side which sometimes lacked it.

#20 Guy Jenkin
Wing | 174cm | 25/11/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 15 handballs, 4 inside 50s

Jenkin was again prolific out on the wing and helped his side chain passages on play along the outer. He drove his legs to put speed on the ball and waxed well with teammates, feeding them with 15 handballs and getting it back nearly as many times. On top of his 15 uncontested possessions, Jenkin proved clean and tough when his name was called upon, but thrived when taking metres.

#21 Patrick Smith
Defender/Midfielder | 180cm | 07/05/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Smith was full of dash and dare off half-back before enjoying some time in midfield where he looked to take the game – and opponents – on in similar fashion. While he was sometimes caught out drifting too far up the ground, Smith’s timing and overlap run helped set up several fruitful forward forays for the Swans. He also made a couple of good defensive adjustments to force intercepts.

#29 Cody Beavis
Defender | 187cm | 11/08/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Beavis spared the Swans’ blushes on several occasions with terrific positioning and play reading on the last line of defence. He was solid one-on-one and made many intercepts as Sydney’s deepest back, before being freed up to play higher in the second half. In the latter role, he showcased his versatility with good speed and long-range kicking to turn defence into attack.

#30 Benjamin Pignatelli
Forward | 186cm | 14/03/2008

Stats: 12 disposals, 3 marks, 3 goals

Part of the trio of Swans who bagged three goals, Pignatelli started out as the main man up forward. With Aidan McCartney kept relatively quiet early, he stepped up as a marking target and converted his chances when within range. Outside of his measure, he adjusted to hit hot spots or find targets in better positions. Despite playing tall, two of Pignatelli’s goals were snaps in open play.

#31 Oliver Griffiths
Forward/Ruck | 186cm | 05/04/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 marks, 11 hitouts

Griffiths was recognised by the Swans as their best player afield for a largely competitive and effort-driven performance. He spent time rucking but was primarily stationed up forward, where he worked up the ground as a viable link-up player and was not afraid to lay big hits. For a taller player, his defensive pressure and skill execution were sound, both rewarded by a fourth quarter goal.

#35 Aidan McCartney
Tall Forward | 190cm | 04/11/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 2 marks, 3 goals

Sydney’s spearhead forward enjoyed a strong third quarter after getting going with a goal to see out the first half. He added two more to ensure the Swans maintained a healthy buffer in the face of the NT’s resistance. The 2026 North Melbourne father-son prospect came into his own as the conditions cleared, converting a pair of nice marks inside 50 and showing his dexterity with a terrific snap. At his best, he’s mobile on the lead and plucks the ball at the top of his reach.

#38 Mason McGroder
Utility | 191cm | 18/09/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 2 marks, 8 hitouts

After a stunning performance in the ruck last time out, McGroder displayed his versatility in a variety of roles. He started on a wing before moving into the centre bounces to contribute his thumping ruck work, and finishing off down back. While still raw in the way of game sense at times, the athletic prospect covered serious ground in a flash and was powerful enough to dispose of the ball while being tackled. He also went when his name was called with strong aerial contests.

NORTHERN TERRITORY ACADEMY:

#3 Nathias Bourke-Miler
Midfielder/Forward | 162cm | 31/05/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 6 tackles, 4 clearances

One of the NT’s rotating midfielders, Bourke-Miler provided a spark with his slick ground level game and sharp turn of speed. Even in the damp conditions, he had little trouble scooping the ball up off the deck and could evade opponents with his lively first few steps. Such plays and good defensive effort ensured that despite his stature, Bourke-Miler could have an impact on the contest.

#8 Ethan Bush
Defender | 178cm | 20/01/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 5 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Bush was made to work overtime in the NT’s backline, but helped repel Sydney’s flurry of forward 50 entries with his class on the rebound. He made light work of stepping around opponents in the early stages and looked dangerous when facing forward or attacking through the corridor. Bush went on to spent more time deep in defence, helping win the ball back before distributing it.

#9 Gus Trigwell
Forward | 177cm | 12/12/2008

Stats: 3 disposals, 3 tackles, 2 goals

In one of the carnival’s more economical performances to date, Trigwell booted two goals from three touches and was arguably the NT’s most dangerous forward. He caused the most headaches for Sydney with his movement and creativity, while also making it count on the scoreboard via a pair of third quarter majors. He just lacked the opportunity to show his talent more frequently.

#15 Calvin Peris-Chong
Midfielder | 176cm | 20/06/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 tackles, 3 clearances

A real bull at the contest, Peris-Chong started steadily but ended up making his mark. The midfielder hacked forward a trio of clearances and thrived on being able to apply big hits when tackling or battling for the ball in dispute. He also got busy between the arcs and played with intent as the Northern Territory looked to surge the ball forward in transition.

#25 Kalen Russell
Defender | 178cm | 15/04/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 7 marks, 6 rebound 50s

Another crucial cog in the NT’s defence, Russell played the territory game at times with quick and long kicks out of the backline. Nearly half (12) of his 25 total touches came in the final quarter, as the over-ager held a high line and cut off several attacks before attempting to turn his intercepts into positive ball use going the other way. Once again, a prolific outing in the losing side.

#26 Taj Murray
Ruck | 199cm | 05/02/2007

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 tackles, 17 hitouts

After missing game one, Murray looked to impose himself and back up his MVP-worthy carnival last year. He started in the ruck but rotated forward and even got a run at the centre bounces as a midfielder, showcasing his versatility and athletic range. The promising tall also competed hard at ground level and tried to be physical in what would have been a somewhat frustrating game.