AFL News

Pick 1 candidates lead Sandringham Dragons to grand final victory

Brisbane fans will be very pleased with how some of their prospects performed.

Published by
Aidan Cellini

Brisbane draft prospects Levi Ashcroft and Samuel Marshall were emphatic in Saturday's Coates Talent League decider against Greater Western Victoria Rebels, leading Sandringham Dragons to a 37-point win, making it three flags in a row.

The pair - who are expected to join the Lions in November - were dominant through the midfield, combining for 55 disposals, 13 marks and five goals.

Marshall was awarded best afield for his efforts, while Ashcroft was able to lift the premiership cup as the captain of the Dragons.

It was Ashcroft's third successive premiership, marking the end of a stellar under-18 stint ahead of him joining his brother Will in the Lions' midfield.

Dragons key forward Harry Armstrong kicked four goals in the victory, enhancing his chances of being selected early in the draft.

Fellow first-round candidate and teammate Murphy Reid unfortunately injured his knee during the contest, limiting his output to seven touches and a goal.

A six-goal-to-nothing opening quarter set up the win for the Dragons, who solidified the dominance by the half-time break, leading by 55 points.

The Rebels were able to rally in the second half, kicking eight goals to five as Floyd Burmeister, Talor Byrne, and Reggie Mast slotted pairs of majors.

Rising forward Ollie Hannaford was arguably the GWV's best, amassing 23 touches and kicking a long-distance goal in a tough day for the club.

Rebels midfielders Jack Ough (21 disposals) and Rhys Unwin (18 possessions and 10 clearances) can also hold their heads high after their performances.

The Dragons joined the Calder Cannons as victors of the Under 18 competition with six flags since its inception in 1992.

Sandringham's three-peat will also rival the Northern Knights' impressive stretch from 1993 to 1996, claiming four premierships in a row.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS                6.1         11.3       14.5       16.7 (103)
GREATER WESTERN VICTORIA REBELS  0.0         2.2          6.3         10.6 (66)

GOALS
Sandringham Dragons: Armstrong 4, Ashcroft 3, Buck 2, Marshall 2, Surkitt 2, Reid, Sulzberger, Travers
Greater Western Victoria Rebels: Burmeister 2, Byrne 2, Mast 2, Hannaford, McDonald, Molan, Unwin

Published by
Aidan Cellini