THE ALLIES have ended their National Championships campaign on a high after defeating Western Australia by six points in a thrilling encounter at Mars Stadium on Wednesday. The Sandgropers led by as many as 28 points during term three, but were quickly reined in and made to settle for a 2-2 record.

A run of four consecutive goals heading into three-quarter time brought the Allies back within a kick of the lead, which bottom-age debutant Benji Russell snatched early in the fourth term. That was one of five lead changes within the final 25 minutes, with Connor Freiberg booting the decisive goal.

We took note of the top prospects from either side.

ALLIES 3.3 | 5.4 | 9.8 | 12.12 (84)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 3.1 | 8.9 | 9.10 | 11.12 (78)

GOALS:
Allies: J. Callinan 2, S. Smiler 2, J. Beams, J. Bridge, J. Corbett, C. Freiberg, A. Hill, H. Meaney, B. Russell, R. Thompson
Western Australia: H. Spawton-Guy 3, N. Braun 2, F. Yeo 2, C. Maynard, C. Ramsey, L. Steed, B. van Rooyen

BEST:
Allies: H. Meaney, J. Callinan, C. Hodge, C. Murray, J. Beams, S. Smiler
Western Australia: H. Mellody, H. Banfield, G. Kenh, N. Braun, F. Yeo, H. Spawton-Guy

ALLIES:

#1 Sonny Smiler (Wanderers/NT)
Small Forward | 178cm | 20/10/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals

It was a typically action-packed outing from Smiler, who offered acrobatics and match-defining score involvements. The Territorian had a couple of big moments, the first being his goal just before three-quarter time to put the Allies back within a kick of the lead. He also made the intercept and assist for Connor Freiberg‘s winner late in the day, showcasing the damage he can do with his favoured left foot. Overall, a highly promising campaign for a highly promising, albeit raw talent.

#3 Cooper French (Giants Academy/ACT)
Midfielder/Forward | 179cm | 28/03/2009

Stats: 19 disposals, 3 clearances, 7 inside 50s

French was once again full of run and drive, having a hand in several successful scoring thrusts. The bottom-ager looked to move forward quickly at all costs, whether that meant adding a burst of speed or throwing the ball on his boot. While lacking polish by foot at times, his attacking instincts and ability to exit contests cleanly consistently put the Allies on the front foot.

#6 Jake Beams (Glenorchy/TAS)
Wing | 181cm | 22/12/2009

Stats: 22 disposals, 10 marks, 1 goal

Beams was at his productive best on Wednesday, covering plenty of ground and gaining metres with his raking left-foot kicks. The Tasmanian played in a high-octane style, running hard to provide speed on the overlap and finding pockets of space all over the ground. He was sometimes guilty of inviting pressure with slightly erratic ball use, but was a standout when he got it right. Among Beams’ best moments was his booming set shot goal in the third quarter from all of 55 metres.

#7 Archie Devine (North Hobart/TAS)
Defender | 181cm | 13/02/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 marks, 8 rebound 50s

North Melbourne NGA

On a day where many keen kickers struggled to find their groove, Devine’s efficiency hardly wavered. He showed great poise deep in defence to pick out relatively safe targets and continually back his foot skills. The Tasmanian also looked to double up on his possessions and combine with teammates, showing the kind of impetus his side required when chasing the game.

#9 Caylen Murray (Lions Academy/QLD)
Defender | 181cm | 16/01/2008

Stats: 26 disposals, 7 marks, 5 rebound 50s

It would be unusual to see anyone but Murray take out the Allies’ MVP after what was another terrific performance. The run-and-gun rebounder hit top flight with some eye-catching transitional forays, taking the game on with his speed and foot skills. He looked most dangerous when able to go direct, but that also meant linking up with teammates in order to blaze a path up the field. That kind of style came with its risks and subsequent errors, but also high reward.

#12 Cooper Hodge (Lions Academy/QLD)
Midfielder/Forward | 183cm | 26/07/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50s

Hawthorn F/S

Hodge was sure to make a statement in the Allies’ final fixture and was central to notching up their only win of the carnival. The son of Luke showed leadership and grit reminiscent of his famous father, perhaps most notably when he won the first clearance of the final term. Hodge ran at 40 per cent disposal efficiency but that was a product of his intent to quickly take ground in powerful bursts. He broke tackles and got boot to ball, breaking open congestion to send his side forward.

#17 Henry Meaney (Swans Academy/NSW)
Midfielder | 184cm | 23/08/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 5 tackles, 6 clearances, 1 goal

It was a typically smooth and stylish performance from Meaney, who jinked his way forward of stoppages time and time again. The midfielder’s clean handling, composure and agility made exiting congestion look seamless, while he was also able to spread to the outside and pick up uncontested ball. Meaney was particularly prominent in the front half and popped up with a set shot goal in the opening term, earned via a forward 50 stoppage free kick.

#26 Jake Callinan (Suns Academy/QLD)
Midfielder/Forward | 190cm | 18/08/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 8 marks, 2 goals

Callinan was among the most prominent match-winning figures for his side, particularly with his influence up forward. The Queenslander was an unlikely yet reliable target inside 50, clunking three contested marks and kicking a pair of second half majors. He even had a couple more opportunities to score, such was his ability to find space close to goal. Further up the ground, Callinan used his clean handling and poise to join waves of possession, moving the ball fluently.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA:

#1 Axel Walsh (East Perth)
Ruck/Key Forward | 202cm | 20/01/2009

Stats: 16 disposals, 7 marks, 10 hitouts

Walsh showed a slightly different side to his game on Wednesday, made to work further up the field on his forward rotation. He used all of his athleticism to gain separation as a leading target, covering plenty of ground and marking the ball cleanly out in front. The bottom-ager was just as capable of marking under physical duress and remained competitive when rucking. He produced a few clangers by foot, but made a largely positive contribution in a relatively different role.

#3 Benji van Rooyen (Claremont)
Ruck | 203cm | 17/09/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 marks, 20 hitouts, 1 goal

van Rooyen is just about a lock for All-Australian ruck honours after once again winning his matchup. He stamped his authority with thumping hitouts to clear the packs and continued to show his wares around the ground. The towering tall covered the ground well and stood up in packs to provide a marking influence – particularly when slotting in behind the ball. van Rooyen also snuck forward to take a sliding mark and score in term two, although can continue to improve his kicking.

#10 Harvey Spawton-Guy (West Perth)
Key Forward | 196cm | 08/09/2008

Stats: 6 disposals, 5 marks, 3 goals

With Cooper Ramsay coming into the side and Walsh playing the role of connector up the ground, Spawton-Guy was left to cash in closer to goal. The result was a lower-possession outing, but a highly economic return of three goals. The mobile marking target took a pair of strong grabs over the back to kick his first two goals, coming in quick succession during term two. His third major put WA in front early in the final quarter as he continued to fly and crash packs when possible.

#23 George Gale (Claremont)
Wing/Midfielder | 190cm | 06/09/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 marks, 6 inside 50s

It was a classic kind of wingman’s game from Gale, who balanced his ability to get forward with contributions on the defensive end. He had an equal number of score involvements and intercepts (five), indicating his ability to find space and connect the lines in addition to dropping back into the hole. His handling was sound in all phases of play, although with as much uncontested ball as he picked up, his end product and disposal efficiency could perhaps have been a little sharper.

#26 Garrison Kenh (East Perth)
Defender | 182cm | 19/04/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

West Coast NGA

Kenh once again proved exactly why he should have been a lock for the West Australian side from game one, carving up the Allies with his ball use from half-back. The athletic playmaker ran aggressive patterns up the field, latching onto the ball and looking to deliver with venom heading inside 50. He attacked the corridor and hit the highlight reel with a couple of bullet passes into scoring zones. The Eagles NGA member was so dangerous heading forward, although invited pressure with a few risks and can continue to work on the defensive side of his game.

#29 Harper Banfield (Claremont)
Midfielder | 181cm | 18/12/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 7 tackles, 5 clearances

West Coast F/S

It was another crash-and-bash kind of performance from Banfield, who was typically tough and explosive. The West Coast father-son prospect was prepared to absorb pressure on the inside in order to release teammates, but just as readily burst into space and delivered searing kicks inside 50. His ability to hit that final kick set him apart at times, and balanced out the contested output Banfield is accustomed to producing. He’s a genuine workhorse for his side.

#35 Heath Mellody (Claremont)
Midfielder | 186cm | 27/07/2008

Stats: 30 disposals, 10 marks, 6 inside 50s

Mellody further pushed his case for Larke Medal honours with a fine display through midfield. He was ultra-clean all day long, able to shark the ball and use his quick feet to dart into space. Outside of the contest, Mellody’s running power saw him dictate the play akin to how Nick Daicos has become renowned for, finding pockets of space and streaming past to support teammates – or rather demanding the ball. That combination play was evidenced by his game-high 23 uncontested possessions and 13 handball receives. He tended to bite off risky kicks and looked incredibly stylish when they found their intended targets, but ran at only 50 per cent efficiency by foot.

#37 Noah Braun (Claremont)
Wing/Midfielder | 183cm | 22/10/2008

Stats: 12 disposals, 2 marks, 2 goals

West Coast F/S

Braun well and truly made his mark on this game, particularly in the opening half. He booted two goals in that time, both being sensational finishes in open play on his favoured left foot. The son of a gun not only showed his eye for goal, but also his natural ball-winning ability with terrific instincts, toughness and a clean set of hands. His running power was useful as WA entered the attacking phase, providing handy width and the ability to carry along the outside.

#44 Leo Steed (Swan Districts)
Midfielder | 177cm | 07/03/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal

Steed’s day ended early due to illness, although he showed no signs of letting up with a crucial goal in the third term. The gutsy co-captain rose to take a strong overhead mark deep in the pocket before composing himself to slot the snap. He was otherwise busy in his usual midfield post, prepared to do the grunt work and use his speed to break out of congestion. Steed’s balance of inside distribution and surge play on the outside helped WA forge avenues towards attacking 50.

#50 Finlay Yeo (East Fremantle)
Small Forward/Midfielder | 172cm | 01/04/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 marks, 2 goals

Fremantle NGA

Western Australia was not short on crafty small forwards throughout the championships, Yeo being one of them. He made a splash early in Wednesday’s contest, booting the first goal of the game with a snap under pressure. The diminutive talent then used the outside of his boot to snare a second major within the first term. Yeo’s energy and work rate up the ground, in tandem with Jayden Clarke, eventually earned him a move into midfield where he was typically evasive.