It is business as usual for QBE Sydney Swans Academy coach Jared crouch following his U18’s clean sweep of the Division 2 National Championships.
The Sydney Swans recorded their fifth win of the series after pipping Tasmania by a thrilling two points in Launceston on Saturday.
The victory sealed the championship up for the red and white, the table-toppers finishing the five-round competition undefeated.
Labelled as their “toughest win of the championships”, Crouch’s charges overcame a three-quarter-time deficit to overrun the Mariners.
“They played a really good style of football, maybe our last game wasn’t our best but throughout the carnival they played some really good football and managed to come through with the goods,” Crouch said.
“It something that all those boys, I hope, can really enjoy and something they can look back on during their football careers and be really proud of.
Jack Hardman starred with four goals, including his side’s only two goals in the tense final term, while utility Luke Skrivanic’s work ethic through the midfield to cap off a superb tournament individually.
Jarrod Osborne, a classy left-footed midfielder, contributed well again to rewarded the MVP as his team's best player of the series.
While the inner belief and confidence was high before the series, Crouch said his side continued to impress as the competition wore on.
“You do hear a lot of chatter about where we were going to finish and everyone had us finishing towards the bottom,” Crouch added.
"When you get to know these boys and train with them all the time there’s more talent than what people on the outside give them credit for.
“What I was really pleased about, each game, certainly the first three, they got better and you could see that real improvement in them.
“The third game, against the Gold Coast, was outstanding so you probably raise your expectations so when they drop their standard a little bit you can’t help be a little disappointed.
“But saying that to play like they did was great, everyone played their role and had an impact. It certainly wasn’t just done with 22 players, it was done with a lot more.”
The best performers from the Division 2 competition will be selected to represent the inaugural Allies which will compete in the Division 1 National Championships beginning in June.
The Allies will come up against Vic Metro, Vic Country, Western Australia and South Australia.
That side is expected to be selected early next week.
Those selected will continue training under the watchful eye of Crouch while other members of the U18s will continue to train as normal to put their best foot forward for NEAFL Swans selection.
Meanwhile, Crouch will turn his attention to the U16s who this week vie for their second win of the Academy Series against the Giants.
Road to victory
Round 1
Swans Academy 5.4 6.9 8.11 12.14 (86)
Giants Academy 1.1 6.3 9.10 12.10 (82)
Goals - Swans: Blakey 3, Osborne, Bell, Skrivanic, Tegg, Stern, Rogers, Hardman, Maze, Eynaud
Giants: Owen-Auburn, Lane 4, Shipley 2, Spargo, Edwards
Best – Swans: Blakey, Osborne, Stern, Robertson, Rogers, Maze
Giants: Shipley, Spargo, Fitzgerald, Owen-Auburn, Conlan
Round 2
Northern Territory 3.1 5.8 6.8 9.9 (63)
Swans Academy 2.3 2.5 12.8 18.12 (120)
Goals - Swans: Hardman 5, Skrivanic, Blakey 3, Maze 2, Rankin, Carr, Kilpatrick, Stern, Loone
NT: Schwarze 5, Derksen, Bricknell, Bailey, Prowse
Best – Swans: Rogers, Stern, Bell, Maze, Robertson, Hardman
NT: Bailey, Scrutton, Baird, Schwarze, Bricknell, Althouse-Cooper
Round 3
Swans Academy 4.3 8.5 10.9 15.11 (101)
Suns Academy 3.2 3.3 4.5 5.5 (35)
Goals – Swans: Blakey 4, Skrivanic 3, Carroll, Brown 2, Wicks, Rankin, Carr, Stewart
Suns: Arnold, Foster, Watson, Scott, Beaman
Best - Swans: Carroll, Skrivanic, Wicks, Stewart, Osborne, Rogers
Suns: Nutting, Heron, Foster, Smith, Arnold, Davidson
Round 4
Swans Academy 4.4 5.5 9.5 13.11 (89)
Lions Academy 2.0 4.6 7.7 8.10 (58)
Goals – Swans: Skrivanic 3, Hardman, Stern, Reinhard 2, Brown, Wicks, Tegg, Kinasch
Lions: Aston, Ballenden, Lambert, Clayton, Tomkinson, Johnson, Sloan, O'Sullivan
Best – Swans: Skrivanic, Osborne, Brown, Rogers, Wicks, Robertson.
Lions: Franks, Aston, Tomkinson, Marsh
Round 5
Swans Academy 2.2 4.7 6.9 8.12 (60)
Tasmania 5.3 6.4 7.6 8.10 (58)
Goals - Swans: Hardman 4, Carr, Stern, Skrivanic, Maze
Tasmania: Jones 3, Dixon 2, Norton, Gunther, Pearce
Best - Swans: Loone, Osborne, Rogers, Stern, Hardman, Skrivanic
Tasmania: Jones, Donnelly, Auckland, Tyrrell, M McGuinness, Hutchinson
