The Sports Association of Tasmanian Independent Schools representative side looked a chance of snaring an upset before going down 12.7 (79) to 7.10 (52) at the hands of the Associated Public Schools of Victoria.

Guilford Young College and Tigers young gun Lachie Gadomski justified his Rookie Me Combine invitation by being one of Tasmania’s best performers, while North-Wester Charlie Castles was impressive with three goals. 

Northern trio Jack Lanham, Ben McShane (two goals) and Fletcher Bennett were also named in the best alongside Hutchins’ Tom Reeves.

Team manager Adrian Finch said the side’s sole year 10 players – North Launceston pair Oliver Sanders and Jackson Callow – had both impressed playing above their age bracket. 

“It was a very fast game of footy, the APS have got a lot of very talented players in their team and they have a fair bit of polish with their skills,” Finch said.

“Our boys had to really step up and match the pace of the game which they did, but it was certainly fumbly early as they adjusted and got used to the pace of the game.”

Finch also said he had been impressed by Hutchins ruckman Hamish Allan, who will be an over-age Mariner next season.

“He’s only in his first year of playing football, he was a rower and they chipped away at him last year to have a game of football and as it turns out he’s picked up the game really quick.”

The SATIS side cut a 19-point half-time deficit to just nine points at the final break, but APS was able to run away in the last.