By Beth Newman
Queensland finished its U16s campaign on a high, with a 14.13 (97) – 6.7 (43) win over NT.
The Maroons started off well, dominating the early stages but struggling to convert their opportunities in front of goal.
Morningside’s Jack Rolls opened the scoring for Queensland in the first term, in a quarter where both sides struggled to convert their opportunities.
NT burst out of the blokes in the second quarter, with Queensland’s defence standing up well to the Territorians’ early barrage as the home team took control.
The NT kicked the first three majors in the final term, sending a scare through the Queensland camp, but the Maroons kept them at an arm’s length.
Sandgate’s Eric Hipwood proved a strong focal point up forward, kicking four goals, to finish off his nationals campaign strongly, while Zillmere’s Reuben William worked hard all day.
Queensland coach, John Rankin, said it was a scrappy match, but was pleased his charged came back with the win.
“I didn’t think that we got the reward for effort that we have in the other games,” he said.
“I think early they were all trying to kick a few goals and get on the end of it.
“But then, your leaders stand up and start to organise and everything starts to flow a bit better.
Palm Beach’s Brad Scheer took control of the match in the second half, getting plenty of the footy.
Scheer’s performance across the carnival earned him Queensland’s MVP award as well as the Allan McLean Medal as the best and fairest player in Division Two, consisting ofTasmania, NT and NSW/ACT.
Rankin had plenty of praise for the strong midfielder after the game.
“In his second half , he just racking up the stats,” he said.
“In one on one contests he’s rarely beaten, he tackles really strongly and he’s just so creative with the ball.
He’s going to be a very, very good player.”
Jacob Allison was Queensland’s other stand out player through the three matches, setting a strong example for the rest of the team.
The win wasn’t enough for Queensland to nab the Division Two title, which went to an undefeated NSW/ACT team, but Rankin said he was proud of his side’s efforts through the week.
“We ‘re still a bit snitchy we didn’t get NSW,” he said.
“But, they showed today (against Tasmania) they were the other class team.
“There’s just so much upside in so many of our kids and we’ve got a air few who have got the right size and shape to become really good players.”
Queensland 3.6 6.10 10.11 14.13 (97)
Northern Territory 1.2 2.5 2.7 6.7 (43)
Queensland: Hipwood 4, Scheer, Allison, Mullins, Wells, Rolls, Marsden, Matulis, Bowes, Esam, Paino
Northern Territory: Dhurrkay, Donation, Bricknell, Frank, Turner, Silver
BEST
Queensland: Scheer, Allison, Perry-Warren, West,
Northern Territory: Jeffery, Dhurrkay, Bricknall, McMahon, Donation, Frank
