In round two of the AFL NAB Under 18 championships, NSW-ACT scored a narrow and impressive come from behind ‘upset’ win over Vic Country.
Played at Henson Park in Sydney, the Rams trailed at half-time by 27 points, but a six goal to one third term with the breeze set the stage for an enthralling last quarter. With alternating goals – the lead changed several times – the Rams finally managed to hang tough for a five point win.
Make no mistake, this is a very, very significant result.
It is the first time that a NSW-ACT team has beaten a Victorian team (metro or country) at Under 18 level.
So perhaps it suggests that the AFL are on the right track.
It also unearthed a potential future star in NSW-ACT captain, Ranga Ediriwickrama. He is of Sri Lankan origins, is from Cherrybrook Tech, and has played for Pennant Hills in Div 2 AFL in Sydney.
He was the NSW schools BandF in the 2005 Australian schools footy championship in which NSW came fourth behind Vic Metro, WA and Vic Country.
Unfortunately for Swans supporters, he’s already been snapped up by Geelong.
Another player following this path is Scott Reed (from Terrigal), who has been signed by Collingwood.
This is a list of NSW scholarship holders:
NSW/ACT SCHOLARSHIP-HOLDERS
Adelaide: Sam Martyn
Bris Lions: James Brain, Jack Lawson
Collingwood: Scott Reed, Nick Perry, Thomas Young
Carlton: Joshua Fenaroli, Jake Pianta
Essendon: Benjamin Simon, James Webster
Fremantle: Matthew Long, Max Wilson
Geelong: Kale Temple, Ranga Ediriwickrama
Hawthorn: Michael Johnston, William Sierakowski, Trent Stubbs, Thomas Kickett
Melbourne: Teddy Strudwick
Port Adelaide: Jordan Johns
N Melb: Lachlan Pryor
Richmond: Harrison Lee
St Kilda: Joshua Duncan, Kane Murphy, Blake McGrath
Sydney: Ryan Bottin-Noonan, Jay Lewis, Matt May
West Coast: Anthony Stubbs
Western Bulldogs: Braedon Jones, Chris Ogle, Daniel Lloyd
From the list above, also in that 2005 Schools team:
William Sierakowski (St. Ignatius, Riverview)
Michael C
Guest
I did hear or read a rumour that a West Sydney 'youth' team in the fashion of the GC one - might come in rather sooner than we might have expected. For the time being, this scholarship program has really opened up the 'talent pathway' - - that may actually be of greater benefit to any new West Sydney team IF, for example, if Ranga Ediriwickrama or Scott Reed get a go at Geelong and Collingwood and proove worthy, they may well be trade bait early days for the full blown AFL version of the new team. And, potential early 'leaders'. That is the work of the existing AFL clubs, snap up as many as possible, because, those interested and or sought after - - will provide the existing AFL clubs with an access point to those priority early draft picks. Those dooms dayers presently predicting that existing AFL clubs will be going without for several years forget that GC and West sydney will struggle if their entire list is 22 and under. The new clubs will need to trade for ready made senior players - - especially a ready made leadership group. so -- -Westy, I reckon the 'system' will ensure a number of these boys end up there, eventually, and, no doubt within a couple of years - - the next generation will be mostly out of reach to the existing clubs.
Redb
Guest
Westy, early days for sure. the scholarship program required certian clubs to take an interest. I still beleive the west sydney team is premature by 2-3 years. Gold Coast has some of the best under 18s locked away, west Sdyney will need as many locals as possible. Still a good start for NSW player base being built up. Redb
westy
Guest
....will Western Sydney get any of these boys. ? I know the answer already. It is likely that the original draft concessions may not be as generous as anticipated.It is imperative that the AFL provide direct scholarships to NSW/ACT players and not individual clubs to begin the process of coralling whatever local talent may be available to Western Sydney. This is done in the south east of Queensland and must be started now.. Even if only one or two of this group makes it they would nave a better nexus to such a team.
The Substitute
Guest
VERY, VERY, VERY happy to see my Cats get onto this Ranga Ediriwickrama kid early. Another example of why Stephen Wells is the best recruiter in the game.
Redb
Guest
Big win for NSW, Vic Country would represent some of the strongest junior teams in the past. First real indication of AFL growth at player level in Sydney where half the team came from. Redb