SOUTH Australia backs up from a sensational first-up win over the Allies in Blacktown to host Vic Metro at Alberton Oval tomorrow. The Vics are stacked with National Academy members, but the Croweaters also have their faire share of talent, and their talls were ultra impressive last weekend.

NEED TO KNOW

WHO: South Australia vs. Vic Metro
WHEN: Sunday June 8, 11:15am ACST
WHERE: Alberton Oval
WATCH: Live stream via AFL website & app

PREDICTED LINEUPS

SOUTH AUSTRALIA:

B: 17. J. Dahlitz – 31. N. Daw – 22. B. O’Brien
HB: 2. J. Cook – 38. B. Sanders – 14. L. Candy
C: 24. H. Barker – 29. D. Sharp – 25. M. LeRay
HF: 16. S. Cumming – 26. M. Marsh – 28. C. Nairn
F: 11. Z. Peucker – 37. A. Schubert – 3. J. Nye
FOL: 40. S. Ainsworth – 7. L. Kellaway – 10. N. Roberts-Thomson

INT: 4. J. Kelly, 6. J. Reichelt, 15. T. Alver, 23. B. Oudshoorn-Bennier, 27. E. Duffield

Content with last week’s effort against the Allies, South Australia comes into game two with an unchanged starting lineup, though has swapped out emergency Kodah Edwards for his fellow bottom-aged South Adelaide teammate Archie Van dyk on the extended bench.

VIC METRO:

B: 16. A. Sharkie – 26. A. Barker – 23. X. Taylor
HB: 10. T. Burton – 29. J. Marron – 18 K. Fincher
C: 8. T. McGuane – 27. O. Greeves – 20. H. Holmes
HF: 5. L. Dovaston – 33. Z. McCarthy – 11 J. Saxena
F: 2. H. El Achkar – 32. A. Ludowyke – 12. A. Butler
FOL: 34. C. Duff-Tytler – 14. S. Grlj – 17. R. Wright

INT: 1. T. Gresham, 4. A. Sweid, 19. X. Bamert, 21. J. Ison, 22. M. Kondogiannis

>> PREVIEW: 2025 AFL U18s – Vic Metro

ONES TO WATCH

SOUTH AUSTRALIA:

Harley Barker (Sturt)
Wing/Forward | 187cm | 02/05/2007

Barker was half of a wicked wing pairing for South Australia in game one, working hard up and back along with Matt LeRay. He’s the type of player with AFL traits; boasting explosive athleticism, good size and clean hands overhead, and penetrative kicking. The National Academy member has likely found his spot not only in the SA side, but also heading into an AFL system and brings expertise to the outside.

Sam Cumming (North Adelaide)
Midfielder/Forward | 186cm | 27/07/2007

Cumming wasn’t quite at his best in game one but is a competitor and should thrive in a scrap which the weather forecast is, well, forecasting. The North Adelaide midfielder could get his confidence up with more time on-ball, but is just as adept in a rotating high-forward role with his work rate and quick feet. Expect him to eventually break out on the representative stage, showing why he’s so highly rated.

Matthew LeRay (Central District)
Wing | 189cm | 22/02/2007

LeRay and Barker impressed up close in game one, both being tall wingmen who can connect the lines. His improved running power is matched by a strong work rate, with LeRay applying himself with pressure acts and tracking into either 50m arc. He also kicks with both feet and can hold his own aerially, traits which are emerging as he unpacks his full potential on the pack of a football-focussed preseason.

VIC METRO:

Cooper Duff-Tytler (Calder Cannons)
Ruck/Key Forward | 200cm | 22/08/2007

Touted by many as the top draft prospect in the country, Duff-Tytler will be keen to show his wares on the representative stage. He will likely be Vic Metro’s primary ruck, sharing the duties with Zac McCarthy while chopping out up forward in game one. Duff-Tytler’s agility for a 200cm player is incredible, so don’t bother looking down at the team sheet when you see a key position player making midfield-like moves.

Oliver Greeves (Eastern Ranges)
Midfielder | 191cm | 07/02/2007

Greeves is Vic Metro’s A1 midfielder, a mobile big-bodied type in the mould of former Eastern Ranges teammate Josh Smillie. The National Academy member has great poise when moving through traffic and a booming kick, able to balance his inside work by taking metres outside the contest. Expect him to lead a fleet-footed on-ball group which for the most part features a bunch of smaller or leaner types.

Archie Ludowyke (Sandringham Dragons)
Key Forward | 197cm | 19/11/2007

Ludowyke has become the premier key forward of the draft and will spearhead Vic Metro’s attack throughout the National Championships. He was part of last year’s title-winning squad and impressed with his early-season form, showcasing improved strength and a strong goalkicking ability. Ludowyke should also provide a contest to bring Vic Metro’s small forwards into the game.

WHERE IT’S WON

The midfield battle will be an interesting one, with South Australia faring well in that department against the Allies. Vic Metro’s group and the conditions will be different though, so SA’s solid operators on the inside will be tested by a quicker crop which can carve up the opposition through running power.

South Australia’s tall forwards in Aidan Schubert and Mitchell Marsh were also prominent last time out, but may find it harder in the wet and against a better depth of tall opponents in the Metro side. At the other end of the ground, expect Vic Metro’s speedy small forward fleet to be busy at ground level.

PREDICTION

The conditions will likely play a major factor in this one. On one hand, it could suit South Australia’s hardened ball winners, but on the other hand it could favour Metro’s running power and smalls, which could break the game open. Metro travelling will be a factor in their first game, but they stand a huge chance. Metro to win in a close one.