VIC METRO has completed an undefeated Under 18 National Championships campaign after thumping rivals Vic Country by 92 points at Mars Stadium on Sunday. The newly crowned champions piled on the first 11 goals of the game, setting up their comfortable victory with 13 to one in the opening half.

A 35-22 clearance trouncing helped facilitate the dominance of Vic Metro’s tall forwards, with incoming spearhead Flynn Woolhouse slotting five goals in his only game of the championships. Sam Gayfer started the onslaught with three of the game’s first four goals, while Harrison Leeder also finished with three.

Of Metro’s 10 individual goalkickers, five measured up at over 193cm and each member of that group kicked multiples. Despite that, it was key defender Tyson Bradley who took out the victors’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, while the same honour went to midfielder Ethan Drever for Vic Country.

VIC COUNTRY 0.2 | 1.6 | 3.6 | 5.9 (39)
VIC METRO 7.2 | 13.3 | 17.6 | 20.11 (131)

GOALS:
Vic Country: A. Elliott 2, K. Boi, J. Elek, W. Malady
Vic Metro: F. Woolhouse 5, S. Gayfer 3, H. Leeder 3, L. Houndsome 2, A. Tippett 2, K. Bewick, H. Chapman, H. Cooke, K. El Souki, A. MacGowan

BEST:
Vic Country: C. Walker, G. Kennedy, D. Harrington, X. Ladbrook, K. Boi, E. Drever
Vic Metro: A. MacGowan, F. Woolhouse, A. Tippett, G. Teixeira, H. Van Hattum, K. El Souki

VIC COUNTRY:

#1 Cody Walker (Bendigo Pioneers)
Midfielder | 184cm | 26/01/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 marks, 6 inside 50s

Carlton F/S

With Vic Country being smoked in the clearance stakes, Walker showed a different side to his game. Usually a prolific inside ball winner, 14 of his 19 possessions were uncontested as he covered and took ground on the outside. The Carlton-tied talent repeatedly used his burst speed, often dropping back to pick up the ball and drive it forward in transition. Walker showed strong kick penetration but that side of his game, particularly on the run, remains a key area for improvement. He seemed very keen to be a difference-maker and take the game to Vic Metro amid the early onslaught.

#3 Gus Kennedy (Dandenong Stingrays)
Defender/Midfielder | 186cm | 21/02/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 rebound 50s

Kennedy played with his usual intensity and power, helping form resistance against Vic Metro’s dominance. He led his side for contested possessions (seven), but also sparked plenty of productive combination play with 12 handball receives. Boasting an explosive turn of speed, Kennedy was able to latch onto the ball and surge it forward either out of packs or the defensive 50. He played to gain territory and certainly did so throughout the day.

#4 Ethan Drever (GWV Rebels)
Midfielder | 188cm | 10/07/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles

Barring a final quarter stint where he began to cover the ground more industriously, Drever reverted back to his inside-leaning gamestyle. The midfielder was a little patchy throughout the match but showed great power and poise in possession, often absorbing pressure and keeping his arms free to dish the ball out. He didn’t have too many opportunities to step out of traffic but threatened to take ground through the corridor like he usually does so well.

#5 Noah Williams (Geelong Falcons)
Defender/Midfielder | 177cm | 22/01/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 8 tackles, 2 clearances

It was another relatively low-volume game from Williams, although he wasn’t short on competitive spirit. The feisty co-captain was there to fly the flag for teammates and initiate a bit of niggle, trying to get going when Vic Country’s backs were against the wall. He showed great speed and core strength to drive through traffic, starting in defence before having a run in midfield. Williams’ clean hands and attack on the ball were noticeable, along with his ferocious defensive intent. He by no means had a prolific carnival, impeded by injury, but the traits are there.

#19 Darcy Szerszyn (Dandenong Stingrays)
Tall Defender | 188cm | 20/05/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 2 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Along with the likes of Klay Nicholls, Szerszyn certainly had his hands full as Vic Metro’s slew of tall targets ran riot. He ended up with six intercept possessions and was tested on the defensive end, arguably showing better signs on the rebound. The dynamic mover had little trouble finding possession and using his speed to drive out of defence, or shift the play from side to side. He tends to take the game on but can continue to work on refining his decision making and ball use by foot.

#24 Darcy Harrington (Geelong Falcons)
Wing | 176cm | 17/11/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 6 marks, 3 tackles

Vic Country didn’t have too many winners on the day but Harrington did his best to remain competitive. Utilised mostly on the wing with a late run on-ball, he was prepared to scrap for possession in one-on-one duels, chasing up the loose pill and quite often emerging with it. The diminutive prospect also provided width and a connective outlet between the arcs, particularly as his side looked to transition out of defensive 50. He’s agile, smart and skilful.

#29 Keenan Boi (Gippsland Power)
Small Forward | 177cm | 03/11/2008

Stats: 12 disposals, 4 inside 50s, 1 goal

Hawthorn NGA

Sporting a different jumper number, Boi was his usual energetic self in the high forward role. He produced a team-high six score involvements and came to life each time he took possession, using his speed to carve through traffic and find an avenue towards goal. The Hawthorn-tied prospect had some flashy moments up the ground, and although was a little erratic with his end product at times, ended up with a consolation goal on the run late in the day.

#33 Xavier Ladbrook
Key Defender | 201cm | 16/10/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Having been utilised in arguably a less natural forward-ruck role throughout the championships, Ladbrook nestled back into defence on Sunday. It seemed as though he had never left, picking up seven intercept possessions and impressing with his ability to join the attack. Whether sparing Vic Country’s blushes on the last line or carrying the ball further afield, Ladbrook covered the ground effortlessly and was among his side’s most productive distributors from defence.

VIC METRO:

#4 Khaled El Souki (Western Jets)
Small Forward | 175cm | 04/07/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles, 1 goal

Western Bulldogs NGA

Coming into the side for his first game of the championships, El Souki certainly made an impact. His selflessness was on show with a blend of pressure and creativity, mowing down opponents in tackles and putting teammates in positions to score. El Souki centred the ball for two direct goal assists in term two and hit the scoreboard himself with a crafty checkside finish in the following quarter. His relentlessness was indicative of a player keen to impress on the national stage.

#6 Jordan Knapp (Eastern Ranges)
Midfielder/Wing | 179cm | 05/01/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 6 marks, 6 inside 50s

It was another polished and consistent performance from Knapp, whose clean hands and sharp turn of speed were key features of his stoppage play. He roved taps on the move and surged the ball to the outside, escaping congestion untouched. He was also able to take possession in motion around the ground, getting into good spots to deliver the ball inside 50. Pleasingly, Knapp lowered his eyes nicely on a couple of occasions to hit leading targets.

#9 Gus Teixeira (Sandringham Dragons)
Midfielder/Forward | 181cm | 29/03/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 3 tackles, 6 inside 50s

Teixeira sliced through the corridor like a knife through butter on several occasions, impressing with his ability to do damage heading inside 50. His flat and penetrative delivery made executing that final kick effortless, showing great skill to do so while moving at speed. That kind of play was Teixeira’s modus operandi throughout the day, although he also caught the eye with a terrific rundown tackle on Cody Walker in the opening term. His pace and power are outstanding.

#18 Albert MacGowan (Sandringham Dragons)
Wing/Midfielder | 187cm | 27/07/2008

Stats: 29 disposals, 7 marks, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal

MacGowan rounded out a terrific campaign by leading all comers on Sunday. More than likely locked into an All-Australian wing spot, he ran the expanses of Mars Stadium to collect 21 uncontested possessions. He was consistently in position to receive the ball on the perimeter of stoppages, finding space where he could utilise his foot skills. While not overly quick, MacGowan’s running power saw him pick up possessions in every third of the ground and in each phase of transition.

#24 Harrison Chapman (Eastern Ranges)
Wing/Midfielder | 189cm | 06/01/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

Chapman was incredibly dangerous in the attacking phase, receiving the ball in areas where he could use his speed and foot skills to rack up seven score involvements. The rangy wingman showed a rare ability to shift gears and leave opponents in his wake, carrying the ball forward with equal measures of intent and poise. Chapman can be inconsistent throughout four quarters but is deadly at his best and has shown improvement in his contested efforts.

#27 Harrison Leeder (Northern Knights)
Key Forward | 193cm | 03/12/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 2 marks, 3 goals

One of Vic Metro’s many dominant marking targets up forward, Leeder cashed in on his side’s dominance. While not quite able to stick all his marks overhead, the mobile tall utilised clever leading patterns and was able to gain more separation as the game wore on. His ability to remain involved at ground level saw him snap his first two goals in the opening quarter, before converting a set shot in term three. His aerial threat drew free kicks and brought Vic Metro’s smalls into play.

#28 Sam Gayfer (Northern Knights)
Key Forward | 194cm | 21/05/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals

Gayfer set the tone for Vic Metro’s barnstorming start, booting three of the game’s first four goals. He extended brilliantly overhead and showed great strength to clunk his marks, whether leading out or having the sit over the back. As a genuine forward-50 focal point, he reeled in three contested marks and complimented that side of his game with keen pressure acts. Pleasingly, Gayfer has shown great improvement in his ability to stick marks with one grab and convert his chances.

#29 Angus Tippett (Western Jets)
Midfielder | 194cm | 12/02/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 4 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 goals

Tippett was one of the many midfielders who thrived off Harry Van Hattum‘s ruck work, dominating with his clean stoppage extraction. The 194cm ball winner was able to absorb pressure and release teammates into space by hand, hardly fumbling throughout the day. His foot skills remain hit-or-miss at times, but Tippett steadied well with a couple of forward 50 entries and ended up with a pair of goals – both coming from set shots.

#30 Flynn Woolhouse (Oakleigh Chargers)
Key Forward | 195cm | 06/05/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 10 marks, 5 inside 50s, 5 goals

Talk about taking an opportunity with both hands. Woolhouse finally made his way into the Vic Metro side and produced one of his best performances yet, chalking up 11 score involvements and five-straight goals. His finishing was utterly clinical, judging the Ballarat conditions perfectly to slot his set shots from all kinds of angles and distances. Woolhouse leapt strongly and was able to extend overhead, showing a clean set of hands all across the forward 50. Vic Metro’s silver service aided his cause, but the mobile marking forward did extremely well to earn and take his chances.

#33 Tyson Bradley (Sandringham Dragons)
Key Defender | 195cm | 16/09/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 tackles, 6 rebound 50s

They say defence wins premierships and Bradley’s MVP nod went a long way to supporting that notion. The robust backman was typically solid across the last line, impressing most with his playreading ability and strong intercept marking. He ended up with six intercepts and complimented that aerial impact with strong pressure acts to thwart Vic Country’s advances. While not particularly quick, Bradley was composed with ball in hand and didn’t let a couple of errors prevent him from being a trusted distributor out of defence. Will likely get a look-in for All-Australian honours.

#34 Lewis Houndsome (Northern Knights)
Key Forward/Ruck | 198cm | 29/05/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 11 hitouts, 4 clearances, 2 goals

Houndsome produced arguably his best game of the championships on Sunday, impacting the scoreboard and providing ample support in the ruck. He booted both his goals in open play; first with a soccer effort amid a goalmouth scramble, and then with a ridiculous long-range snap on the turn. Houndsome’s clean handling below his knees was impressive for such a big unit, while he played with genuine presence inside 50. His physicality won out in the ruck, prising four clearances and even producing a couple of slick hits to advantage out of the centre.

#36 Harry Van Hattum (Northern Knights)
Ruck | 205cm | 01/07/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 23 hitouts, 6 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Van Hattum has been simmering away throughout the championships and finally made a statement in game four. He has had no trouble imposing himself in the ruck and did so once more with a blend of authoritative taps and clearances. His athleticism was on show via several strong leaps and ventures out of the stoppage, becoming a fourth midfielder of sorts. Van Hattum also showed glimpses of his brutal physicality, standing tall for his two marks and hitting hard with as many tackles. When operating with such authority, you can see why he is considered so highly.