{"id":163716,"date":"2024-07-07T16:47:13","date_gmt":"2024-07-07T06:47:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=163716"},"modified":"2024-07-07T16:47:14","modified_gmt":"2024-07-07T06:47:14","slug":"country-come-up-clutch-in-springfield-shootout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2024\/07\/07\/country-come-up-clutch-in-springfield-shootout\/","title":{"rendered":"Country come up clutch in Springfield shootout"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

VIC COUNTRY has claimed an absorbing two-point victory against the Allies at Brighton Homes Arena today, moving to 3-0 in the Under 18 National Championships. The result sets up a title decider against Vic Metro next week, after Country got the better of the second half shootout in Springfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bathed in the Queensland sunshine, the Allies started hot with the first four goals of the game. Their superior conversion rate carried on throughout the contest, keeping the scoreboard competitive in the face of Vic Country’s ascendancy in the clearance (31-24) and inside 50 (54-37) counts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After both sides enjoyed runs of four straight goals in the first half, neither could string more than two majors together in the run home. Scores were level with five minutes left to play, before Jonty Faull<\/a> nabbed a handy point and GWV Rebels teammate Sam Lalor<\/a> sealed the win with a major.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both players bagged three goals, with the former combining well with fellow talls – and twin brothers – Matt<\/a> and Jack Whitlock<\/a>. At the other end of the ground, Jobe Shanahan<\/a> dominated with nine marks and three goals, with his scoreboard impact matched by Lions Academy key forward Ty Gallop<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fittingly, Allies Most Valuable Player (MVP) Leonardo Lombard<\/a> had the final say by goalling with the last kick of the game. The Suns Academy standout was at his powerful best through midfield, consolidating his top 10 chances with 28 disposals, five clearances and a goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sam Marshall fires a kick off | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lions Academy hopeful Samuel Marshall<\/a> finished the game strongly to post 27 disposals and seven marks, while Daniel Annable<\/a> (17 disposals) was also productive through the middle. Joshua Murphy<\/a> finished the carnival as the Allies’ leading goalkicker, adding two majors to his tally of seven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The game marked the return of potential top pick Finn O’Sullivan<\/a>. Rotating on-ball from the wing, he managed 16 disposals and rose to the occasion with some crucial late touches. The midfield battle was owned by Harvey Langford<\/a> though, as he again led all comers with 30 disposals and nine clearances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xavier Ivisic<\/a> (23 disposals) and Riley Onley<\/a> (20 disposals, seven clearances) were others to get motoring in the engine room. Flankers Lachie Jaques<\/a> (nine marks), Tobie Travaglia<\/a> and Harry Charleson<\/a> also got their side going from the back, providing plenty of hard running and slick ball movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The undefeated Victorians now move on to face Vic Metro, also 3-0, at Marvel Stadium on Sunday morning. Meanwhile, the Allies’ title defence ends at 1-3, having beaten Western Australia in their second outing. The Sandgropers and South Australia also recorded one win each in their campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tobie Travaglia bursts away | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALLIES 4.1 | 6.3 | 10.4 | 14.4 (88)
VIC COUNTRY 2.3 | 6.7 | 9.9 | 13.12 (90)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

GOALS:<\/strong>
Allies:<\/strong> J. Shanahan 3, T. Gallop 3, J. Murphy 2, L. Lombard, D. Annable, J. Delana, L. Hogan, R. Mentha, W. Davey-Motlop
Vic Country:<\/strong> S. Lalor 3, J. Faull 3, M. Whitlock 2, T. Travaglia, C. Hynes, J. Berry, R. Unwin, J. Whitlock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RMC BEST:<\/strong>
Allies: <\/strong>L. Lombard, J. Shanahan, S. Marshall, D. Annable, J. Murphy, T. Gallop
Vic Country: <\/strong>H. Langford, X. Ivisic, L. Jaques, S. Lalor, J. Faull, T. Travaglia<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allies MVP: <\/strong>Leonardo Lombard (Suns Academy\/Queensland)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leo Lombard named Allies MVP after another powerful performance today.

28 disposals & 5 clearances in his side\u2019s thrilling 2-point defeat to Vic Country.

Fittingly, the midfielder slotted a goal with the final kick of the game and his #AFLU18s<\/a> carnival. pic.twitter.com\/rxX5Q1hyBi<\/a><\/p>— Michael Alvaro (@MichaelTAlvaro) July 7, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote>