World Footy News

Saturday’s Australia Day clash between the AIS U 17 squad and New Zealand provided a good contest but ultimately the talented Aussie youngsters were too good despite the Hawks fielding a team including AFL legend Wayne Schwass (pictured left), VFL champion forward Khan Haretuku and Hawthorn International Rookie Shem Tatupu. 

Game day presented perfect weather conditions and ground in the best condition possible. NZ Coach Justin Davies said “Last year NZ Hawks won the first quarter. This year the AIS came out prepared and played a scintillating first quarter with roving forward Pickett kicking four of the better traditional roving goals you will see”.

Pickett stood out at one of this year’s AIS training camps. Pickett's run in the 20metre sprint was over almost before it began, completing it in 2.85 seconds. He thought he could go faster.

It was the quickest result of any player at the camp, including the level two squad, who are hoping to be drafted this year (level one players are eligible for the draft in 2014.) Go back to last year's NAB AFL Draft Combine and only one player (Adam Saad, 2.81 seconds) beat Pickett's time.

 The indigenous South Fremantle player booted four goals – three in the first term – and created several others to be judged best afield.

"The first nine minutes of the game there wasn't a goal scored and it was an arm wrestle before he broke it apart with three goals in seven minutes," said Kevin Sheehan, the AFL's national talent manager.

"His brilliant pace gave the Australians a lead at quarter-time and really from then it was about a 40-point break the whole way.

Quarter Time score: 0.2.2 to 7.1.43

The second quarter was far better from the Hawks.  Their tackling and ball retention improved significantly with the Hawks fitness evident. Accuracy for the Hawks was the issue as though they had more scoring shots this did not greatly alter the margin between the teams.

Half Time score: 1.10.16 to 9.1.54

Davies said “Going in to half time the feeling amongst the team was on the improve. The on-ballers were instructed on the rotations, the forwards on continuing to present and be defensively responsible and the backs to continue with competing fiercely in the air. The team was also on notice that the AIS would hit back hard from having more scoring shots scored against them”

Despite the  Hawks going goal for goal in the first 10 minutes the AIS were able to score five goals in the quarter to increase the margin.

Three quarter time score: 3.11.29 to 14.3.87

Davies wanted respect for his team from the final quarter.  “We had come a reasonable way, however if we did not run out the game the respect sought would not be forthcoming”.

The Hawks responded well with ball retention excellent, the tackling and pressure first rate; and the Hawks fitness appearing to be better than that of the Australians.

Those to shine for the AIS included Nicholas Coughlan, a key tall prospect from Albury. Coughlan kicked two goals for Australia, and impressed with his marking and reading of the play.

Captain Lachlan Weller also shone, the midfielder's poise helping set the standard early in the contest. The win was celebrated on Australia Day, a moment Sheehan said would stick with the players.

For the Kiwis Khan Haretuku, from Frankston in the VFL but raised in New Zealand, took the eye.

"He would have taken a dozen marks. He really pushed himself up in front of AFL clubs who were watching the game," Sheehan said.

And Shem Tatupu, who Hawthorn has committed to drafting as an international rookie at the end of this season, showed why the Hawks were so pleased to recruit the former rugby player.

"Shem was exceptional. For a boy who's had three years of footy, but maybe only six games a year of AFL while still playing rugby, he did some fantastic things up forward," Sheehan said.

"He has real presence with the contested ball in the air. He reads it so early and you can see him get into great position early. He kicked the goal of the day when he dodged a few, gave a great big 'don't argue' and snapped the goal over his shoulder."

Perhaps the final word should lie with the 44 year old Schwass who lived the dream to represent his country who tweeted “Quantum step forward today. Lost on scoreboard but raised the bar to new levels. Proud of each player, coaches & staff”.

Australian U17 7.1  9.2  14.3  16.5 (101)
New Zealand    0.1  1.10  3.12    7.16 (58)

GOALS
Australia: Pickett 4, Watchman 2, Coughlan 2, Hammelmann 2, McGrath, Griffiths, Dawson, Miller-Lewis, Lamb, Bower
New Zealand: Tatupu 2, Clark 2, Christensen, Harris, Haretuku

BEST
Australia: Pickett, Coughlan, Weller, McGrath, Smith, Lever, Duggan
New Zealand: Haretuku, Tatupu, Crighton, Miller, Riddell, Howison, Clark, McKenzie

Images courtesy of AFL New Zealand.

See also:

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-01-29/pickett-stars-in-australian-win?utm_medium=RSS
http://aflnz.co.nz/a-coaches-perspective-justin-davies-new-zealand-hawks-senior-coach/