Black & Whites change to Black & Gold in first game of U18’s Exhibition match

Game 1 of the NAB AFL U18s All Stars Exhibition games has been completed, with eight of the nine named Swan Districts players making an appearance.

Given the NAB AFL U18 National Championships were cancelled for season 2020 due to COVID-19, each state is hosting its own set of fixtures to showcase their talent before the AFL Draft later this year.

48 local players were split into two teams – WA Gold and WA Black – to compete in front of a host of recruiters and other onlookers.

The WA Black side dominated the match, leading at every change to defeat WA Gold by 55-points, the final scorecard reading 13.15 (93) to 6.2 (38).

Check out how our Swans boys played below.

WA Gold

Denver Grainger-Barras (#27)

Consistent and reliable as ever. He started at fullback and rotated through WA Black’s talls, when needed. His athleticism was on show, with his great closing speed and leap making it hard for his opponents to touch the ball.

Zane Trew (#17)

Spent most of his time in the midfield before being moved into the forward line late in the game. With his team behind the whole game, Trew was regularly seen getting around his teammates, helping encourage and direct them from the front.

Will Collins (#16)

Involved right from the bounce, he was rebounding the ball out of defence from WA Black’s first attack. Looked strong all day and was able to play both up the ground and deep in defence. Was named as WA Gold’s best afield.

Rhett Bazzo (#20)

Started in the backline before being sent up forward late in the game. He linked up well with his fellow Swans backs to create a formidable looking defensive structure. Was named as one of the best for his side on the day.

Ayden Cartwright (#9)

Came off the bench and spent most of his time in the forward line. Applied good pressure when the ball came in the forward 50 and pushed up into the middle to help provide options for his teammates.

WA Black

Jamison Ugle (#10)

Started up forward and floated through the middle of the ground. Was clean in congestion, used his run to create options for his side and used his voice to lead and direct his teammates when he didn’t have the ball.

Ty Sears (#17)

Looked good coming out of defence and in the middle of the ground. His run and bounce to set up teammates in the forward line was on display. Unlucky not to have been recognised as one of WA Black’s best.

Max Chipper (#3)

Only played in the first half after what looked like a solid corky sidelined him after the main break. Was clean with the ball and roved well off the packs in his limited time on the ground.

Brodie Morris

Named as an emergency for WA Black. Will get his chance to play in Game 2.