Adelaide father-son prospect Tyler Welsh continued his purple patch of form on Sunday with an eye-catching four-goal performance in the U18s National Championships against Vic Country.
Following a three-goal outing in South Australia's opening match of the carnival against the Allies and a recent eight-goal game in the SANFL U18s for Woodville-West Torrens last week, Welsh pieced together a strong second half at IKON Park to give the Croweaters some spark late into proceedings.
The interstate side would unfortunately fall to Vic Country by eight points, with South Australia cutting the deficit after trailing by 21 points at the final break.
The aerially-commanding Welsh would kick two of South Australia's final three goals in the game to bring his side close to a second victory in the National Championships.
The son of former Crow Scott Welsh, the teenager ended the day with seven disposals and five marks, combining with fellow forward Jack Newtonย - who had three goals from 13 touches - across the game.
Captain Sid Draper was back to his best with 26 disposals, four clearances and five inside 50s, while Carlton father-son gun Ben Camporeale amassed a game-high 28 disposals through the middle.
The Glenelg ball-winner also came away with seven marks, five clearances and six inside 50s, while twin Lucas had a dozen disposals and three inside 50s.
Bottom-ager Dyson Sharp was again promising, while Port Adelaide father-son prospect Louie Montgomery also had glimpses throughout his 15 disposals and three clearances.
Vic Country small forward Joe Berry only strengthened his chances as a potential top 15 prospect with three goals from 12 disposals, with the Murray Bushranger small forward and Warragul product Jasper Alger leading the goalkicking for their side in the win.
North Melbourne father-son prospect River Stevens, the son of Roos champion Anthony, contributed two goals from his 12 disposals and seven marks also.
Forst-round draft chance Harvey Langford was among Country's best, collecting 25 disposals, seven marks and six clearances while Geelong Falcons talent Xavier Ivisic was also promising with 27 touches and five clearances.
AFL Academy member Tobie Travaglia had no issue finding the all with 24 possessions and seven marks.
Meanwhile, Vic Metro recorded a 16-point victory over reigning champions the Allies earlier in the day, with the Victorians pulling away in the final term thanks to some of their leading prospects.
Top five chances Jagga Smith and Levi Ashcroft were both instrumental in the victory, while Sandringham Dragons talent Harry Oliver also helped steer Rob Harding's side to a win.
Smith collected a game-high 32 possessions and nine clearances against a strong Allies engine room, while Ashcroft kicked two goals from his 24 disposals to continue a formidable 2024 campaign.
Ashcroft, the son of Lions premiership player Marcus and younger brother to Brisbane's Will, was one of four final-quarter goalkickers for Vic Metro, with the home side winning the final term by nine points thanks to further majors from Charlie Richardson, Damon Hollow and Isaac Kako.
Kako, a member of Essendon's Next Generation Academy, joined Ashcroft in kicking multiple goals for the morning to lead all scorers.
Oliver, Easter Ranges star Christian Moraes and fellow top 10 draft prospect Luke Trainor were equally prolific in Metro's opening game of the carnival.
Following split results against South Australia and Western Australia so far in the National Championships, the Allies fell for the second time this year in another close encounter.
Bottom-age talent and Gold Coast Academy prospect Zeke Uwland was among the best for the Allies with a team-high 25 disposals, six marks, six inside 50s and eight rebound 50s in the loss.
Fellow Queenslander and Brisbane Lions Academy ace Sam Marshall was also among the travelling side's best withย 24 disposals, six tackles and four clearances.
Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos
In-form onballer Leonardo Lombard continued his stellar carnival on Sunday despite the loss, amassingย 18 disposals, seven tackles, five clearances and six inside 50s against Metro.
The Allies' next game won't come until July 7 when they face Vic Country in Queensland, while Metro's next game is scheduled for June 23 against Western Australia at Optus Stadium.
