SIX Tasmanian footballers were part of the Allies versus the Australian under-17 side in the curtain-raiser match before Saturday's AFL grand final at the MCG.
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The Allies team defeated the AFL Academy side 13.10 (88) to 12.2 (74).
Lauderdale's Nick Dodge, Tigers' Kieran Lovell, Clarence's Mitch Hibberd, Glenorchy's Mitch Rainbird and Burnie's Ryan Gardner were part of the Allies team, while Lauderdale's Ben McGuiness played for the AFL Academy.
The Allies were made up of the best under-18 players from NSW-ACT, the Northern Territory, Queensland and Tasmania, all of whom are eligible for this year's AFL draft.
The Australia under-17s side was selected from the NAB AFL Academy - Level 1 (players eligible for the 2016 AFL draft).
State Academy coach Adam Sanders said the curtain-raiser was a fast and competitive game, and the Allies team played well to win in what was a great experience for the young players at the MCG on grand final day.
"Ryan and Mitch Rainbird were named as emergencies but came into the Allies team and played," Sanders said.
"The Allies led all day and it got out to five goals early in the last quarter but then the Academy stormed back and got to within seven points before losing by 14.
"Mitch Hibberd was our best and had a very good second half which would have enhanced his draft prospects.
"Ryan was really good down back playing as a key defender and Nick Dodge kicked two goals as a small forward and Ben McGuiness was pretty good down back for the Academy team."
