The Queensland U18 Scorpions are full of confidence heading into their Round 2 NAB AFL U18 Championships clash against Vic Country in Melbourne on Sunday.
The Scorpions shock 2-point win over powerhouse WA in the opening round has marked them as a team to watch in the competition, while the country Victorians are also flying high after their nine point defeat of NSW/ACT.
The win over WA looked to have come at a cost for Queensland with Brian Coleman-Broome, Andrew Boston, and Daniel Brown all sustaining match-ending injuries in the first quarter.
Despite some initial concern State Talent Manager Bob Batty confirmed that of the three only Coleman-Broome will miss this weekend’s game, the single change to the Scorpion line-up.
“Brian isn’t right to come back but Josh Wagner – who played every game last year as an underage player – has just recovered from a quad injury and is really looking forward to playing.” Batty said.
In comparison Vic Country have named 12 changes to their winning side including the addition of Lachlan Whitfield, the midfielder being touted as the probable number 1 pick at the 2012 AFL Draft and talented youngsters Jake Stringer, Tanner Smith and Oliver Wines.
“Vic Country is a great team, traditionally strong in winning contested football and really playing together as a team,” said Batty.
And while the Scorpions will again go into the match as underdogs Batty believes the Round 1 effort from his charges will stand them in good stead.
“The match against WA was about self-belief, resilience and digging deep,” said Batty.
“They were tested and had to overcome a lot to win and I have no doubt they will be tested again this week.
The game will be a good challenge for our boys to back up after their winning performance last week.”
The Vic Country Vs Queensland match kicks off 12:00pm Sunday at Visy Park, Melbourne.
