The Australia Post Queensland Young Scorpions completed the division two qualifying section of the NAB AFL Australian U16 championships undefeated in Sydney today and booked the thrill of a lifetime.
The Queenslanders will now play NSW in the division two final at the MCG on AFL Grand Final day.
The Young Scorpions, coached by David Ashkar, came from behind to beat Tasmania 7-16.58 to 6-4-40 at Blacktown Olympic Park in West Sydney.
The boys responded to a stern half-time talk from coach Ashkar, to turn a 14-point deficit into a victory that could have been even more decisive if they had of capitalised on several easy opportunities.
Having only kicked one goal in a lackluster first half, the Queensland boys came out a completely different side after the long break. The win completed an outstanding carnival for the Scorpions, who had earlier accounted for NSW/ACT by 24 points and NT by 46 points.
Gold Coast midfielder Jackson Rolfe, the brother of Gold Coast AFL squad member Taylor Rolfe and Broadbeach senior player Aaron Rolfe, was best afield with 27 possessions, 15 on them contested.
Aspley small forward James Ives, the son of AFLQ Grogan Medalist Peter Ives was named second-best. His figures included 12 contested possessions in the front half and worked tirelessly.
Mayne half back flanker Spencer Greville, was another standout as was Noosaâs Aaron Laskey. Laksey was given the key role of shutting down Tasmaniaâs No.1 prime-mover in the second half which he did succcessfully, as well as continuing to win a good supply of ball himself. Southport senior player David Meli was a crucial player in the victory, chimming in with four crucial goals.
Skipper Dalton Tucker played an outstanding captainâs game to help lead his side to victory, finishing with 31 possessions after what was a noteable quiet first half by his lofty standards.
Game 3 Details
Queensland 1-1 1-6 5-11 7-16-58
Tasmania 2-1 4-4 5-4 6-4-40
Qld Goals: David Meli 4, Jackosn Rolfe, James Ives, Fraser Thurlow.
Qld Best: Jackson Rolfe, James Ives, Spencer Greville, Aaron Laskey, David Meli, Dalton Tucker.
Game 2 Details
Qld 2.1 6.5 8.6 11.8 (74)
NT 2.2 2.2 4.3 4.4 (28)
Qld Goals : Fraser Thurlow 4, James Ives 3, Jackson Allen, Aaron Laskey, Jack James, Jackson Starcevic.
Qld Best: Sam Panoho, Aaron Laskey, Fraser Thurlow, Jackson Allen, Spencer Greville.
Game 1 Details
Queensland 8.11 (59) def. NSW/ACT 4.11 (35)
Qld Goals: Fraser Thurlow 2, David Meli 2, Jesse Wallin, Jackson Rolph, Dalton Tucker, Wyatt Bacon.
Qld Best: Jackson Rolph, Aaron Laskey, Fraser Thompson, Alex Hall, Matthew Lodge
Last Modified on 17/09/2009 15:02