Falcons shine in Vic Country under-18 loss

VICTORIA Country have lost to South Australia at Marvel Stadium in their second hit out of the under-18 Boys Championship yesterday (Sunday, June 29).

The undefeated South Australians were too good under the roof, winning 13.13 (91) to 8.9 (57) and simultaneously claiming their first Championship since 2018.

While South Australia have played all four of their matches for the Championship already, this was Victoria Country’s second match after losing to Western Australia earlier in June.

The Geelong Falcons were well represented in the match, with Josh Lindsay (Newtown & Chilwell), Jesse Mellor (Geelong West) and Hugo Mikunda (Bell Park) all donning the Big V.

Lindsay, a backman who is a strong top 10 chance in the coming AFL Draft, led all players for disposals with 28, showcasing his elite kicking skills and composure.

Mikunda also lined up across the centre half back line and gathered 18 disposals and nine marks, the second-most on the ground.

Mellor was named in the centre and kicked 3.1 for the match, the most for Victoria Country.

For South Australia, Mitch Marsh proved the matchwinner, kicking five goals straight from eight disposals. Dyson Sharp also collected 21 disposals and proved pivotal in the trophy-securing win.

Victoria Country have two more chances to turn their losing ways around at this year’s Championships, with matchups against the Allies and cross-state rivals Victoria Metro still to come in July.

There are six Falcons on Victoria Country’s under-18 list, with Lindsay, Mellor and Mikunda joined by Rilley Aquilina (St Josephs), Jett Elek (Lara) and Ben Rongdit (Colac) also in the squad.

Jack Pickett (Torquay) and Fletcher Pulleine (St Josephs) are part of the train-on squad.