Tyron caps WA schools efforts with squad entry

Emerging footballer Tyron Smallwood capped off a brilliant maiden appearance for WA after being named in an extended All-Australian squad from the School Sport Australia 15 Years and Under Championships last week.

The Albany Senior High School student was also named WA's runner-up fairest and best from the championships in Geelong, which concluded on Saturday, as WA missed out on claiming the title after a 65-point loss to Victoria in the grand final.

Smallwood was best on ground with six goals in WA's convincing 107-point thrashing of ACT, which pushed the side into the top two standings in Group A.

A two-point win in the crossover contest versus NSW moved WA into the decider against Victoria.

Unfortunately, WA could not replicate their thrilling win over the hosts earlier in the championships.

Smallwood finished with nine goals for the championships and featured in his side's best players in three of the five matches.

Assistant coach Andrew Ruck said Tyron was "stiff" to not make the first 25 players in the All-Australian squad, but was included as one of 10 shadow players.

"His game awareness was what won us over," he said.

"His middle three games, especially, were just outstanding.

"He makes really good decisions."

Fellow ASHS student Abby Duncan could not prevent WA dropping away in the SSA Girls 16 Years and Under Championship also in Geelong.

After winning their first three matches last week to sit on top of the standings, WA suffered losses to Queensland by 14 points and Victoria by 53 points to finish fourth on the standings after five rounds.

A win over Victoria would have moved WA to equal top on the ladder and have them declared joint champions.

Duncan was impressive for WA in their first win over ACT, booting two goals in the 107-point thrashing, before wins against Victoria Invitational and NSW by 21 points.