Will Setterfield reaffirmed his top-10 prospects with a 28-disposal display to help NSW/ACT seal the Division 2 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
The GIANTS Academy product was excellent in the first half when the game was up for grabs, using the ball well and rarely flustered when in possession.
Standing at 190cm, Setterfield is a big midfielder who has modelled his game on Fremantle skipper David Mundy and Carlton's Patrick Cripps.
Zachary Sproule slotted four goals in the first half before going off with a tight adductor. He also gathered 12 disposals and took seven marks to put himself in contention for best-on-ground honours before the injury.
Like Setterfield, Sproule is tied to the GIANTS through their zone.
GIANTS Academy Head Coach Jason Saddington said Setterfield played a fantastic game in the Rams’ midfield.
“He demonstrated his class by not just winning the footy but by how clean and efficient he was with his possession,” Saddington said.
“He has a wonderful ability to find time and space in congestion also.”
Saddington was also full of praise for Wagga product Connor Byrne and his use of the football.
“He was our best transition midfielder working hard back in defence and forward in attack,” he said.
“Connor also excelled this week with his ball use.
“We know we will always get a serious work ethic and effort out of him, but it was great to see him finish off his work.”
The NAB AFL MVP for NSW/ACT was Harry Perryman.
Usually a midfielder, the 184cm prospect went to half-back and used his clean hands to great effect.
Fletcher Carroll spent his time in the middle and up forward, finishing with 26 disposals and a goal. His energy around the ball meant he was always dangerous.
Max Lynch, a 200cm ruckman, kicked three goals and showed he could thrive in attack.
The GIANTS will have first dibs on him at this year's draft, along with Setterfield and Sproule.
“Max played as a permanent forward, a new role from previous weeks where he had to shoulder the ruck workload,” Saddington said.
“He provided a fantastic target and finished with three goals which if he had his goal kicking boots on could have been six or seven.”
NSW/ACT 6.5 13.10 18.15 23.20 (158)
Northern Territory 1.3 1.4 4.6 5.9 (39)
GOALS
NSW/ACT: Sproule 4, Davis 4, Mutch 3, Lynch 3, Maguire 2, Powell 2, Marshall, Carroll, Byrne, Brown, Fisher
NT: Frank 2, Taban, Olango, Mummery
BEST
NSW/ACT: Setterfield, Carroll, Perryman, Davis, Maguire, Byrne
NT: Long, Armstrong, Jeffrey, Abbott, Lockyer, Lawrence
