Pope's under-15 team went undefeated through its five games, with an average winning margin of 75 points, at the week-long tournament at Tasmania.

The junior Horsham Demon's best performance came in the final round-robin game against the Northern Territory, where he kicked a goal in the 22.16 (148) to 1.0 (6) win.

It was the first time Pope represented his state at the national championships.

Victoria beat Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory in the round-robin stage to finish top of their group.

Pope and his side met South Australia in the grand final, who they dispatched 11.6 (72) to 6.3 (39) to claim a third-consecutive gold medal.

Players were also taught about career pathways in sport and sport science at an education excursion, as part of the championships.

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