VIC COUNTRY onballer Devon Smith kicked six goals to guide his team to a 33-point win against the Northern Territory in the second round of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships at Visy Park on Saturday.
Smith was clearly best on ground, gathering 27 possessions in the 14.14 (98) to 9.11 (65) win.
The Geelong Falcon had seven clearances and went inside 50 on seven occasions in a display that caught the eye of AFL national talent manager Kevin Sheehan.
"Smith just gives the game energy every time he goes near the ball; he's electrifying," Sheehan said.
"He plays with great intensity and you top that off with great skill, pace and agility. He doesn't stop once it gets into his area.
"He's a prolific ball winner and just an exciting player to watch."
Although Smith was the standout, Country had plenty of contributors.
Tall forward Todd Elton is an imposing figure at 197cm, but moved like a midfielder in gathering 23 disposals and booting two goals. Sam Dobson and Brett O'Hanlon were also impressive in forward roles and took nine and eight marks respectively.
Jake Neade was the Territory's best player with 21 touches and six inside 50s with Jed Anderson, whose 22-disposal effort was punctuated by a brilliant pack mark, also prominent.
Anderson has been claimed by Greater Western Sydney as part of the new club's zone concessions, but will spend this year back in the Territory before returning for the Giants' inaugural season.
"He's only 17 still so he's got plenty of time," Sheehan said of Anderson's return home.
"He was spectacular at times today. His mark would have been contender for mark of the week in the AFL. He showed some great athletic ability and competitiveness and just played with excellent spirit throughout."
Vic Country 2.4 6.7 10.12 14.14 (98)
Northern Territory 0.4 3.6 7.6 9.11 (65)
GOALS
Vic Country: D Smith 6, F Dale 2, T Elton, S Wyatt, S Dobson, B O'Hanlon, S Deery, C Smith
Northern Territory: G Turner 3, L Lawler 2, J Anderson 2, A Tipungwuti, N Morrison
BEST
Vic Country: D Smith, T Elton, C Smith, S Dobson, S Wyatt, N O'Brien
Northern Territory: J Neade, J Anderson, L Michell, B Rioli, B McLean, J Wilson
By Jason Phelan courtesy of afl.com.au