WA Gold Swans even up the score in Game 2

WA Gold have made an emphatic 110-point turn around in the second game of the West Australian NAB AFL U18s All Stars Exhibition.

Having gone down to WA Black by 55 points the week before, it was the Gold’s time to shine, winning game 2 by the same margin; 18.5 (113) to 8.10 (58).

Seven of the nine named Swans took to the field in the second match, Gold with five players and Black with two. Zane Trew and Max Chipper were rested with soreness.

This was the final chance in 2020 for our young black and whites to impress onlooking recruiters and put their cases forward for AFL selection in this year’s draft.

Check out how our boys played below.

WA Gold

Denver Grainger-Barras (#27)

His intercept marking and pressure in the first half was particularly exceptional. Showed great versatility in the second half as a key forward and looked dangerous both in the air and on the ground. Kicked two goals, one off a snap and the other from a set shot. An all-over best on ground display.

Will Collins (#16)

Had a consistent game playing both as a high defender and full back. He gave plenty of run out of defence and was often given the task to nullify WA Black’s taller, stronger forwards. 

Rhett Bazzo (#20)

Spent the entire game in the backline, having played in both defence and forward last week. Worked hard all day and was often matched up against bigger opponents.

Ayden Cartwright (#9)

Came off the bench and made an instant impact as a winger. Had his first two touches in the space of a minute, with his second setting up a WA Gold goal. Worked hard all day through the middle and kicked the final goal of the game.

Brodie Morris (#39)

Pushed forward early in the first term and kicked a goal. Looked comfortable playing in the ruck and was impressive around the ground, gathering touches, smothering balls and laying tackles. Switched between the ruck and forward line throughout the game.

Zane Trew (#17)

Pulled up a little sore after copping a high hit in last week’s match. Was rested for this week’s game.

WA Black

Jamison Ugle (#10)

Started up forward before spending much of the game through the middle. Looked dynamic with ball in hand, often stepping through opponents and getting free from the congestion to set up open teammates. Ran strongly all day in the warm weather, and showed his true character by pushing through late cramping to help his side finish the game. One of the best on the day for WA Black.

Ty Sears (#17)

Another strong, clean game in both the middle of the ground and in defence. His speed caught opponents unaware on a number of occasions, while his run and carry was again impressive. Read the ball well, broke into open spaces and set his teammates up all day.

Max Chipper (#3)

Pulled up sore after a knock in last weekend’s game saw him able to only play in the first half.