BEN JARMAN has moved a step closer to confirming himself as a father-son selection in this year's NAB AFL Draft after impressing for South Australia in Friday's Under-18 Championships.
Jarman, the son of Hawthorn and Adelaide premiership star Darren, booted three goals in the first half, displaying his smarts and a busy attitude in attack, to help his state to an 11-point win over Vic Country at Etihad Stadium.
The small forward, who stands 175cm, is eligible to join either the Crows (qualifying as Adelaide's first ever father-son pick) or Hawthorn as a father-son selection.
Darren Jarman played 109 games for Hawthorn from 1991-1995, before moving to Adelaide where he managed 121 matches, starring in both the 1997 and 1998 premiership victories.
Ben Jarman, confirmed as being in Adelaide's sights by Crows recruiting manager Hamish Ogilvie on AFL.com.au's Road to the Draft podcast, was not the only Croweater to impress on Friday as South Australia proved too strong for a winless Country side.
Jack Graham (25 disposals, nine clearances and seven tackles) continued his fine Championships, while Jonty Scharenberg – younger brother of Collingwood's Matt, also had 25 disposals and seven clearances.
Jake Pitman was typically tough through the middle of the ground with 22 disposals and 13 tackles, while Tyson Stengle exhibited his ability when given time and space.
Country gave up six goals to two in the opening quarter, with South Australia extending that margin to 35 points at the major break.
Hugh McCluggage, in contention as a top-five pick come the end of the season, was a clear standout for Country with 17 disposals and three goals, working tirelessly through the midfield.
McCluggage's ability to weave through traffic provided a bright spot for Country, while Ben Ainsworth, also in the mix as a high selection, gave his team plenty of energy through the midfield and up forward with 20 disposals and four inside 50s.
Ainsworth's bullet-like pass in the final term to set up a goal for Joe Atley, the younger brother of North Melbourne's Shaun, was a delight to watch.
Country booted five goals to nil in the last quarter to cut the final margin to 11 points at the end of the game, but their slow start ultimately proved costly.
Joseph Atley (left) cops a strong tackle from Kym Lebois and Lachlan Cameron. Picture: AFL Media
VIC COUNTRY 2.0 3.5 4.10 9.11 (65)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA 6.0 9.4 11.8 11.10 (76)
GOALS
Vic Country: McCluggage 3, Ainsworth, Battle, Atley, Fowler, Battle, Worpel
South Australia: Jarman 3, Coleman-Jones, Pitman, Stengle, Ladhams, Villis, Hayward, Scharenberg, Lebois
BEST
Vic Country: McCluggage, Ainsworth, Worpel, Atley, Piper, Brodie
South Australia: Pitman, Graham, Scharenberg, Stengle, Villis, Jarman
Hugh McCluggage celebrates one of his three goals for Vic Country. Picture: AFL Media
