VIC METRO has claimed bragging rights over its Country counterpart in a 33-point victory at Marvel Stadium today. After leading by just seven points at half time, the navy blue outfit kicked away in what was a high scoring affair, as Georgia Knight spearheaded the potent Metro attack with five goals.

Country forward Stella Huxtable brought the margin back to a single point midway through term three, only for Metro to bag eight of the next nine majors. Late consolations to Ash Centra and Mekah Morrissy lessened the severity of the margin after Metro’s onslaught in the 15.6 (96) to 9.9 (63) result.

Knight set the tone in term one with a hat-trick of six-pointers. Country hit back but the victors took a two-goal lead into quarter time. A fourth goal for Knight came early in term two, but Country rallied to win back field position and level the scores up with five minutes left in the half.

Metro again produced the goods late on to answer Country’s challenge, with Grace Belloni‘s goal putting them seven points ahead at the main break. It was the story of Metro’s game; able to absorb pressure and release it with constant scoreboard impact.

It didn’t take long for Country to again pose queries out of half time. Star midfielder Sara Howley opened the third quarter scoring on the run, before the sides began to go goal-for-goal. After Morrissy got on the board, Metro began to burst away and hit their stride to lead by 20 points heading into three-quarter time.

It was somewhat of a procession thereafter, with Metro running out the stronger side and having seven individual goalkickers. Among them were four players who bagged multiples, with Knight’s haul of five complimented by three to Abbey Vicino, and doubles to Grace Belloni and Georgie Brisbane.

For Country, three of the six goalkickers booted two goals apiece; namely Centra, Seisia White, and Claire Mahony. Centra led the disposal charts in a losing effort, posting 29 touches rotating forward from midfield. Sara Howley was also again outstanding with 26 disposals and 12 clearances.

Vic Metro’s midfield hummed, with the trio of Sierra Grieves (31 disposals, seven clearances), Sophie McKay (25 disposals, five inside 50s, one goal), and Zoe Hargreaves (25 disposals, seven clearances) filling their boots. They were the only three Metro players to have over 20 touches, such was their prominence.

Both sides will next be in action for a double-header at RSEA Park on August 11. The undefeated Metro takes on South Australia in what looms as a title decider, while Vic Country plays host to Western Australia, who are yet to make an appearance at the carnival to date.

VIC METRO 4.1 | 6.2 | 10.5 | 15.6 (96)
VIC COUNTRY 2.2 | 4.7 | 6.9 | 9.9 (63)

GOALS:
Vic Metro: G. Knight 5, A. Vicino 3, G. Belloni 2, G. Brisbane 2, S. McKay, A. Gladman, M. Graham
Vic Country: S. White 2, C. Mahony 2, A. Centra 2, S. Howley, S. Huxtable, M. Morrissy