THE WA State 18s opened its AFL National 18s Championship campaign with a thrilling golden-point win at Subiaco Oval last Saturday.
After building a 31-point lead in the first three quarters, WA saw the margin cut back with five consecutive goals to South Australia before Matt Young marked inside 50 and kicked a point to seal the win in extra time.
WA coach Peter Sumich said the pressure applied during the first three quarters and then again in the last 10 minutes was the key to victory.
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READ NOW“The boys were outstanding with the tackling and pressure and that’s really what got them there in the end. They lapsed for 10 or 15 minutes in the last quarter, but to their credit they fought back, which was really good,” he said.
“It’s about learning from that now and responding next time it comes up.”
Rockingham defender Aaron Naughton was among WA’s best players.
Other Peel players to make the side were Durak Tucker and Jordan Boullineau.
The next game is against Victoria Metro at Subiaco Oval on Saturday, bouncedown 11am.
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