Wallis guides Calder to TAC Cup win
Father-son AFL draft prospect Mitch Wallis has powered his way to 47 possessions to guide Calder Cannons to a 58-point win in the TAC Cup grand final against Gippsland Power.
The Martin Allison-coached Cannons claimed their sixth premiership in 10 years in the under-18 competition with a 17.14 (116) to 8.10 (58) victory at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Leading by 27 points at half-time, the defending premiers piled on seven goals to Gippsland's two in the third quarter to lead by 10 goals at three-quarter time, with Wallis gathering 14 disposals for the term to decide the contest.
Both teams scored a goal each in the final term.
Blond, curly-haired Wallis is the son of former Western Bulldogs skipper Steve.
The 17-year-old is tipped to be taken by the Bulldogs in October along with Calder team-mate Tom Liberatore, son of Tony.
Calder's dominant performance included five goals from 196cm forward Luke Mitchell.
Gippsland captain Dyson Heppell, the Morrish Medallist and a possible No.1 draft pick, had 20 touches but was held goal-less while Tim Northe and Michael Ross were among their team's leading possession-getters.
Forward Jed Lamb, a first-round draft prospect, kicked two goals for the Power as did Shaun Marusic.
Mitchell's three early goals helped put Calder 19 points ahead at quarter-time.
Gippsland narrowed the gap to a goal when Lamb goaled in the 16th minute of the second term.
But two late goals put Calder 27 points clear at halftime with Cannons pair Wallis and Dion Prestia (36 disposals) dominant.
Tall forwards Alistair Kefford (three goals) and Mitchell added two goals each in Calder's seven-goal blitz in the third quarter.
Liberatore played a key role in Calder's midfield supremacy, with 28 disposals.
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