The WA State under 18s side sits second behind Vic Metro in the National Championships with two wins and one loss in their campaign so far.

Our boys went down to the ladder leaders by 36 points, arm wrestling back a lead just after the half but it was a slow descent from there until the final siren.

Co-captains Leo Steed and George Gale have been outstanding in their leadership roles – the pair combined for seven entries in that game and had 24 and 28 touches respectively.

It was an unlikely comeback win over Vic Country which has been the story of the campaign so far – they overcame a 27-point halftime deficit to take the victory by 16 points with a blistering final term.

Lachlan McGlade kicked the goal for the lead change before Finlay Yeo, Harvey Spawton-Guy and Cameron Maynard all iced the cake – McGlade finished the day with three goals.

Heath Mellody shone with 32 disposals while Harper Banfield had 25 and laid nine tackles.

With one more match left to play, WA will be hoping to make a statement against the Allies and have a sniff at winning the competition if everything goes right for them.

Coach Marc Webb joined Sports Breakfast this morning.

“We thought we were actually competing well, it was just more that we weren’t executing,” he said.

“If we keep bringing effort, the tide will turn… I thought that there’s real credit to the group that their energy, their effort, and their resilience just to get back into the game and have a pleasing resolve.

“I think he’s [Heath Mellody] always been a potential player… there’s no doubt that the AFL clubs would certainly take note and showing his capability to play multiple roles – certainly as a mid who can use the ball well – is something most clubs will be crying out for.”

The co-captains put in another big shift – Gale recorded 30 touches and Steed had 24 with seven score involvements.

Benji Van Rooyen was strong in the ruck contest with 27 hit outs – he was aided by Axel Walsh who had 11 hit outs and a goal.

“I think when we’ve been challenged consistently in games, when you need your leaders to stand up both on and off field, it’s been really positive.”

“I think that capability has been outstanding and they’ve been able to do that both within their performances but also help drive the group. Having co-captains, I think they’ve worked well with each other and [they’re] two different personalities, but very much team orientated and really team focused and competitive.

“He’s [Axel Walsh] over 200 [centimetres], he’s probably our best two kilometre runner, agile, can take a good mark, but an ultimate team person and someone who’s fit in really well with the group and we’re really pleased with his development.”

WA take to the Allies in Ballarat on Wednesday to wrap up their National Championships campaign.

IMAGE: RookieMe