VICTORIA produced a 35-point win over Queensland in a come-from-behind victory at the School Sport Australia 15 and Under Boys Championships. After the home state led at the main break, Victoria overcame inaccuracy to hit back in the second half and run out 10.13 (73) to 6.2 (38) victors.

Queensland’s first half accuracy kept the Maroons in it, booting 5.1 to 3.8 to lead by five points at half-time despite having five less scoring shots. That changed after half-time with Victoria taking a five-point advantage into the last change before booting five fourth quarter goals to romp to a big win.

Griffin Barker slotted three goals for the Vics and was among the best, as highly touted Rowville Secondary prospect Baxter Sruk was electric around the ground in a best on ground performance. Victoria had no shortage of father-son prospects running around with Louis Salopek (Steven, Port Adelaide) named in the best, while Tevita Rodan (Port Adelaide) and Koby Bewick (Essendon) also caught the eye. Tom Steinfort – son of former Cat and Magpie Carl – was also named in the best but his father did not meet the games threshold.

For Queensland, Jackson Noble kicked two goals, while the likes of Addison Stolz and Kobi Wallace were named among the best for the Maroons. Victoria was coming off an even more impressive 83-point win over South Australia the day before, while Queensland had destroyed the Australian Capital Territory by 59 points. The winner of Queensland and South Australia will join Victoria in the knockout semi-finals.

In Pool B, Western Australia has secured its spot in the semi-finals with wins over New South Wales and Tasmania. The Sandgropers won by 38 and 30 points in those matches respectively, with the two losing sides accounting for the Suns and Lions Academy combined side as well rather easily. Like in Pool A, the third round robin match between Tasmania and New South Wales will determine which side takes on Victoria in the semi-finals.

SCOUTING NOTES:

VICTORIA:

#7 Baxter Sruk (Rowville Secondary College)

Sruk imposed himself at the centre stoppages from the get-go, and only got smarter with every possession. His bullish nature made him a physical threat in congestion, and forward of centre he was creative and well poised to assess his options unselfishly, which resulted in a few goals. His fundamentals were quite efficient, quick by hand and poignant by foot.

#11 Tevita Rodan (St Bernard’s College)

Rodan was electric with his ball movement, and whilst he could speed things up in an instance, he could also slow down time, intelligent when assessing options ahead of him. His toughness and physicality around the contest got him first hands on the footy on multiple occasions, and his offensive pressure opened up space around him. He was creative around the footy and was often rewarded with marks in the forward half.

#17 Griffin Barker (Maribyrnong Secondary College)

Barker’s poise was what spearheaded his efficient performance, finding himself in good spots around the ground to impact offence and defence. When injected into the middle, Barker was able to utilise his speed out of the contest, looking to give off a quick release handball to outside runners, and had the poise to keep the ball at arms length from pursuing defenders.

#23 Tom Steinfort (Albert Park College)

Steinfort showcased some strong characteristics for a versatile key defender, impacting with his aerial capability. Early in the contest he was able to impact with his tackle pressure around the contest, and throughout the match, take his moments with his intercept marking, showing some athletic traits in his leap.

QUEENSLAND:

#3 Kodi Wallace (Palm Beach Currumbin State High School)

Wallace had good instincts around the footy, understanding when to drive his legs at the stoppage or wait outside for the release handball to get it going on the outside. His work rate end-to-end was prominent and he was able to get some productive run and carry in transition when Queensland were in need of it.

#10 Jackson Noble (Brisbane South State Secondary College)

Noble was Queensland’s only multiple goalkicker, but produced some eye-catching efforts further up the ground as well. His power and acceleration inside 50 was impactful out of the stoppages, using his strength to create separation. In the forward 50, he was able to create effective leads into space, and was super clinical in front of goal with a nice set shot kicking action.

#16 Addison Stoltz (St Peter’s Lutheran College)

Stoltz was one of Queensland’s most efficient connectors due to his running capacity up and down the line. Inside 50 he was able to find good patches of grass to lead into and was often uncontested in his approach. On the defensive end, his run and carry out of defensive 50 was snappy and he was committed to receiving the ball back further afield to keep the ball moving with pace.

#23 Mac Seebeck (King’s College)

Seebeck was on early, and the tall forward unit made good use of his strength and contested dominance deep inside 50. His first mark inside 50 he was able to outwork his opponent one-on-one and unselfishly setting up a teammate in a better position for a certain goal. His only goal came from a terrific pack mark on the goal line, where he was able to go back and convert from close range.