All Nations topple Kickstart in multicultural boys talent clash
The most promising 16-and-under boys with Indigenous and multicultural backgrounds from across Victoria put their skills on show in the annual All Nations v Kickstart talent showcase at Ford Park, Bellfield.
The All Nations (multicultural) and Kickstart (Indigenous) development program provides emerging players from culturally diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to progress on their football pathway and prepare for trialling with Coates Talent League teams in coming years. Players are linked to Next Generation Academy (NGA) programs at AFL clubs.
All Nations owned the first quarter and if it wasn’t for seven behinds in the quarter, they could have had quite the lead going into the second term. They did manage four majors, while Kickstart only kicked the one goal. All Nations led by 25 points at quarter time. Ahmed Taleb nailed two goals in the first term to give his side the perfect start.
Kickstart did come-back in the second, winning that quarter two goals to one but unfortunately for them their efficiency going forward was an issue and they dropped some un-contested marks that could have brought more scoring opportunities. They clawed their way back into the game but couldn’t capitalise as much as they should have in the second term.
The third quarter was fantastic battles from both teams as they managed two goals apiece, including some wonderful finishing. Kickstart’s Archer Francis nailed one five minutes into the term to bring the deficit back to only five points and it seemed to be game on. Then Ahmed Taleb and Divjot Singh steadied the ship for All Nations with some timely goals to end the third quarter to give them a 19-point lead going into the last term.
In the final quarter, it didn’t take long for Kickstart to get on the board thanks to Will Pappas who snapped through his second goal and it looked like a comeback was on the cards. But All Nations had the instant reply thanks to a set-shot from Seb Wolff who was left completely open, right in front of goals to seal the game for All Nations. Steven Polgase managed another one to Kickstart which was well deserved after the game he’d played but it wasn’t enough as All Nations were victors by 17 points.
Kickstart had a lot of the possession and territory they just weren’t able to capitalise when they did have the momentum while it was the opposite for All Nations, they took this game into their own hands. All in all, it was a fantastic arm wrestle of the game and the skills on display were excellent. We should be keeping our ears out for some of the names in this game as it was filled with an extremely talented group of boys who showed off their abilities.
All Nations 4.7, 5.8, 7.12, 8.15 (63)
Kickstart 1.0, 3.2, 5.3, 7.4 (46)
All Nations goals: Ahmed Taleb 3, Divjot Singh 2, Taiyo Mcencroe 1, Jai Saxena 1, Seb Wolff 1
Kickstart goals: Will Pappas 2, Malik Keegan 1, Kobe Williams 1, Titus Harrison 1, Archer Francis 1, Steven Polgase 1
Played at Ford Park, Bellfield on Thursday 6 July 2023.
Watch the match replay on aflvic.tv
Best players:
All Nations -
- James Orton: Played in the ruck most of the day and was dominant, arguably best player on the ground. Won most hitouts, had a handful of clearances and allowed first look for his forwards. Marked well across the ground, laid tackles, huge effort.
- Ahmed Taleb: Had 3 goals, which was the most on ground. Always looked dangerous when he had the ball in the forward line and created havoc for the Kickstart defenders.
- Wichay Paul: Had numerous big efforts, some great tackles, intercept marking was elite and his presence around the ground was un-matched
- Seb Wolff: Had one goal which was well deserved after the game he played, had plenty of the football, marked well in the air and always looked very dangerous when he had the ball.
- Divjot Singh: Two goals both came at timely moments. Played an excellent game in the forward line, between him and Taleb they were the difference makers up forward.
Kickstart -
- Cody Walker: Contested ball ability was fantastic, work rate was unmatched, was all over the ground with plenty of clean possessions and was keeping his team in the game
- Steven Polgase: Had the one goal but was involved in plenty of the forward line play, provided options all day, led well and was instrumental in creating opportunities for his team
- Tanner Armstrong: Had plenty of the football, was efficient with his disposals, did a bit of everything, tackled well, marked well, was very clean with the football in an all round performance
- Will Pappas: The only multiple goal scorer for the team and without his great work in the forward line this game may not have been as close as it was
- Titus Harrison: Had the one goal but plenty more moments than just the goal, was involved in lots of their play and the ‘one percenters’ were unmatched
PHOTO GALLERY ON INSTAGRAM:
