TASMANIA'S young guns responded to a spirited final quarter fightback from the Bendigo Pioneers to win Saturday's AFL Victoria TAC Cup under-18s match by 22 points.
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The Pioneers trailled by five goals at the start of the last quarter at North Hobart Oval.
A run of three unanswered goals put Bendigo within 11 points at eight minutes to go.
It was Tasmania which scored the last two goals of a hard-fought contest.
A Tasmanian attack led by Nicholas Dodge, five goals, made the most of opportunities in a 73-51 victory.
Pioneers' coach Brett Henderson said some missed shots at goal proved costly as the match went on.
A tally of 91 tackles was a season-best for the Pioneers.
"The workrate was terrific for most of the match," Henderson said.
Tasmania kicked away to a 25-point lead by half-time, but the Pioneers fought back strongly.
Pioneers captain Sam Simmons from Mildura was out of the contest after he hurt an ankle in the first few minutes of the game.
Ruckman Bryce Scoullar was concussed early in the third quarter and took no further part in the game.
Bendigo raised its game.
Best player for the Pioneers was Golden Square's Isaac Miller at half-back.
"He did really well in a lot of one-on-one contests and gave us a lot of rebound from defence.
"Lachie Tardrew just keeps on racking up the numbers.
"Bailey Edwards has really lifted his game the past few weeks. His run and carry was excellent," Henderson said of the onballers from Sandhurst and Maryborough respectively.
Marty Hore from Leitchville-Gunbower led the way in the tackles tally.
"Jesse Muscatello from Mildura had a big role to play at centre half-back and played a great game."
The coach said the play of bottom-age players such as Elliott Stewart and Jacob Bruns from Echuca, and Jayden White from West Broken Hill was a huge plus.
"Our younger players are improving every game they play."
TASMANIA 4.2 6.3 9.6 11.7 (73)
BENDIGO PIONEERS 1.1 2.2 4.6 7.9 (51)
GOALS - Tasmania: Dodge 5, Pearce 2, Hayden, Webb, Franklin, Franks. Bendigo Pioneers: J. Ryan, E. Stewart 2, B. Edwards, J. Marciano, R. Free.
BEST - Tasmania: Sushames, Smith, Dodge, McGuinness, Pearce, Franklin. Bendigo Pioneers: I. Miller, L. Tardrew, B. Edwards, M. Hore, J. Muscatello, J. Fox.
At North Hobart Oval.