LACHIE Weller won the ball outside the forward 50, burst through traffic, steadied and kicked the goal.

In a flash, the Queenslander showed why he sits in the top group of midfielders in this year's draft, gathering it cleanly, cutting past players with speed, and having the class to finish.

It summed up the difference between Queensland and Northern Territory, in its 10.12 (72) to 6.6 (42) win at Windy Hill on Saturday.

Weller, the younger brother of St Kilda's Mav, finished with 25 disposals (11 contested), six tackles, four clearances and two goals in a clear best-on-ground display as his team posted its second win of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

Draft watch: Cream rising to the top

In blustery conditions Queensland broke to an early lead and although Northern Territory hung in the game, they never seriously challenged.

Bottom-aged midfielder Ben Keays continued his impressive carnival with 20 disposals and a goal for Queensland, while tall forwards Matt Uebergang, Brayden Preuss and Matt Hammelmann each kicked two goals.

Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds and Cameron Stevenson each collected 16 disposals.

The Territory was once again served well by dogged midfielder Abraham Ankers, who had 28 disposals and six inside-50 entries. Ankers also booted two goals and had plenty of influence around the ball.

Another over-aged player, Willy Rioli, had an impact, kicking three classy goals from seven touches in the forward half, while Victorian-based ruckman Duom Dawam played well with 13 disposals, 16 hit-outs and a goal.



Maverick Weller has played eight games in his first season at St Kilda this year.

Queensland             3.3   5.4  8.5   10.12 (72)
Northern Territory   0.1   2.5  5.6    6.6 (42)

GOALS
Queensland: Hammelmann 2, Preuss 2, Uebergang 2, Weller 2, Keays, Rayner
Northern Territory: Rioli 3, Ankers 2, Wasley-Black