GIANTS Academy players Kobe Mutch, Will Setterfield and Charlie Spargo impressed in the NSW/ACT Rams’ first game of the NAB AFL Under-18 National Championships.
Mutch steered NSW/ACT to a 47-point win over Queensland in dewy conditions at Blacktown International Sports Park on Sunday.
The 184cm midfielder, who is considered to be among the best midfield prospects in this year's draft pool, finished with a game-high 31 disposals and six inside 50s in his side's 18.6 (114) to 9.13 (67) win.
Mutch demonstrated his fierce attack on the ball through the middle, made good decisions and used the ball effectively on either foot.
The Bendigo Pioneer was the beneficiary of 200cm ruckman Max Lynch's tap work at the centre bounces and stoppages.
“Kobe's work rate was very impressive allowing him to get to a large number of contests resulting in a high possession game,” Academy coach Jason Saddington said.
“He was part of a strong midfield that were able to outwork their opponents.”
Midfielder Harry Perryman had 17 disposals and eight clearances, working in tandem with Mutch to generate plenty of scoring opportunities for NSW/ACT in the second half.
In attack, big marking forward Todd Marshall kicked four goals and impressed with his accuracy in front of goal and agility at ground level.
The 198cm goalkicker was complemented by bottom-age small forward Charlie Spargo with three majors, while defender Hamish MacDonald was resolute at the opposite end.
“Charile was classy up forward finishing the game with three goals and setting up a few others,” Saddington said.
“He has good skills, was clean with the ball in hand and was able to win all his one-on-one contests.”
Another impressive Academy player was tall midfielder Will Setterfield.
“After a quiet first half Will stepped up his intensity around the ball and certainly lifted in the defensive aspects of the game,” Saddington said.
“To finish with 10 tackles and seven clearances indicates the impact he had around the contest and how influential he was in setting up the win in the second half.”
After an even first half, NSW/ACT blew Queensland away as the conditions improved, registering an accurate 12.1 to 5.3 after half-time.
The Rams’ next game in division two is against Tasmania at Blundstone Arena on Saturday.
NSW/ACT 2.5 6.5 11.5 18.6 (114)
QUEENSLAND 2.3 4.10 7.11 9.13 (67)
GOALS
NSW/ACT: Marshall 4, Spargo 3, Maguire, Byrne, Davis, Sproule 2, Perryman, Lynch, Fisher
Queensland: Scheer, Kempe 2, Bowes, Allison, Mason, S.Watson, Williams
BEST
NSW/ACT: Lynch, Mutch, Baker, MacDonald, Carroll, Perryman
Queensland: Rolls, Scheer, D.Watson, Kempe, Williams, Bowes
