VIC COUNTRY might have only picked up the one win, but boasted an even team across the national carnival with plenty of draft prospects staking their claims. We recap how the Counts’ national carnival went down.

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RESULTS

RECORD: 1-3 | 81.8% | WLLL

Game 1: def. Allies 10.6 (66) to 2.8 (20)
Game 2: def. by Queensland 6.4 (40) to 3.10 (28)
Game 3: def. by Vic Metro 12.8 (80) to 4.6 (30)
Game 4: def. by South Australia 8.10 (58) to 5.8 (38)

HOW IT HAPPENED

Vic Country kicked off its national carnival with a big 46-point win over the Allies. Competitive against Queensland before falling short late – with a similar story of just being a touch outclassed by South Adelaide – came either side of the only real disappointing result which was a 50-point defeat at the hands of Vic Metro.

WHAT WORKED

The strong on-ball group meant Vic Country was able to compete with most other states at the coalface, with plenty of options to roll between there and attack. Country was versatile and competitive, always bringing energy to each game and fighting out the contest even when beaten soundly. Blooding some prospects from next year’s draft crop was also exciting for the side.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Georgia Tyrrell (Geelong Falcons)
Midfielder | 168cm | 04/08/2007

Averages: 17.3 disposals, 2.5 marks, 7.3 tackles, 4.0 clearances, 1.5 inside 50s, 1.8 rebound 50s

The Geelong Falcons skipper was enormous throughout the carnival, and got the nod after another ultra-consistent game through the middle. Tough as nails and able to win the ball both on the inside and outside, Tyrrell leads by the front with her defensive pressure. She played an important role in feeding the ball out to her teammates, and has great footy IQ to boot.

LEADING GOALKICKER

Jovie Skewes-Clinton (GWV Rebels)
Tall Utility | 176cm | 15/11/2007

Averages: 10.0 disposals, 2.3 marks, 5.0 tackles, 1.3 inside 50s, 1.3 goals

At the Rebels, Skewes-Clinton has been rotating between defence and attack, but for Vic Country the talented tall locked into a forward spot where she was able to kick a team-high five goals across the carnival. Boasting great forward craft and competitive in the air and at ground level, Skewes-Clinton adds some serious X-factor.

RISING PROSPECT

Maggie Johnstone (GWV Rebels)
Midfielder/Forward | 171cm | 06/06/2007

Averages: 15.3 disposals, 2.0 marks, 3.0 tackles, 2.8 clearances, 3.5 inside 50s, 0.5 goals

While hardly a player unknown prior to the championships, Johnstone reminded everyone of her potential across the four games. Her power and strength on the inside coupled with a great burst and booming kick often cleared the danger zones, then she could go forward and either impact the scoreboard directly or set others up, justifying her top 20 potential.

ONES TO WATCH

Vic Country’s two National Academy members in Ella Stoddart and Mizuki Brothwell were both among the top performers across the carnival, while Geelong Falcons midfielder/forward Stella Huxtable was her ever-reliable self. Brothwell’s sister Nalu and fellow Stingray Matilda Argus had their moments, as did Dandenong wing Charlotte Gilmore and Gippsland forward Abby Hobson. Prior to injury, Baia Pugh proved herself at the level.

THE FUTURE

Exciting Stingrays bottom-ager Alice Cunnington showed her class throughout the tournament, with Murray Bushrangers’ Sophia Green, Gippsland Power’s Grace Dillow and Geelong Falcons’ Greea McKeegan having positive moments in different roles. Sophie White shared the ruck duties for Vic Country, while Rebel Milly Shortal had a well-deserved call-up for the final game in Adelaide.