Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy players have dominated as Queensland sealed victory in the second division of the NAB AFL Under 18s Championships with a comprehensive 38-point win over NSW/ACT at Simonds Stadium on Thursday.
Queensland, with 15 players from the Lions Academy, ran out winners 8.12 (60) to NSW/ACT 2.10 (22).
Highly rated Lions Academy player Ben Keays kicked two goals in the second quarter to break open the contest.
Keays was the best player on the ground in the first half with 16 disposals and was awarded the Harrison Medal as division 2’s MVP after a superb series.
He works hard to reach contests and makes good position around the ball. He had a quieter second half and finished the game with 27 disposals.
The win capped off an excellent championship from Queensland, coached by Adrian Fletcher, with the state recording its first title since 2006.
Queensland had several good players with the lean tall Eric Hipwood, another Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy player, backing up his four-goal performance against Tasmania with 24 touches playing forward and in the ruck.
Hipwood's intercept marking was a feature, the highlight coming when he stood under a high ball in the third quarter to mark strongly in front of a pack of players.
Queensland used the ball better than its opponents, freeing up players with handball before they kicked.
Jacob Hopper battled to have an influence, although he kicked a nice goal in the second quarter and looked dangerous whenever he went forward. He has some class.
Harrison Himmelberg marked well but could not finish, missing four set shots in blustery conditions, but nonetheless looks a player of the future.
Ryan Hebron also worked hard in defence for NSW/ACT showing an ability to read the play, floating in front of packs more than once to mark.
The game was over as a contest midway through the third term when Queensland opened up a 33-point lead midway through the quarter after the well-named Wylie Buzza kicked a long goal.
Corey Wagner picked up 21 disposals and was busy, while Mabior Chol impressed with his hands at times and read the play well.
Neither side kicked a goal in the final quarter and the standard dropped off, but Queensland had the game well in control.
