In the other game, Vic Metro got the job done against NSW/ACT despite a last quarter scare. Metro was on top of their opponent in the first term, booting four goals to two, leading by 14 points at quarter time. The Rams hit back in the second quarter with a four goals to one term to lead by five points at half-time, before Metro regained the ascendancy. Booting five goals to one, the home side lead by 25 points and looked likely to run away with the game. But a five goals to three final term saw NSW/ACT come within a kick in the final quarter, before Brodie Newman booted two late goals to seal the game for Metro, 13.13 (91) to 12.8 (80).

Both sides had plenty of goal scoring options, with six players booting multiple goals across both sides. Western Jets duo Josh Honey and Lucas Rocci both booted two majors, as did Newman and Northern Knights’ prospect Josh D’Intinosante. For NSW/ACT, Cameron Edwards finished with three goals, including one brilliant snap in the final term to bend around the post for a major, while Jackson Barling booted two goals in the first term, and Thomas Green launched two goals from almost the exact same spot just inside 50.

D’Intinosante was ultra-impressive up forward, providing a marking target for his teammates and handing off a goal or two while booting two of his own to finish with 18 disposals, six marks, three inside 50s and three tackles. Knights’ teammate Lachlan Potter opened up the opponents with some amazing acceleration down the field and registered 16 disposals, four marks, five tackles and three inside 50s, while Mitch Mellis (20 disposals, eight marks, three inside 50s and five rebounds) and Ryan Sturgess (20 disposals, six marks, four tackles, two inside 50s and two rebounds) ran all day and covered some great ground on the outside. Sandringham Dragons duo Hugo Ralphsmith (19 disposals, two marks, five tackles and a goal) and Miles Bergman (14 disposals, six marks and six inside 50s) were equally important, particularly in the second half, while Brodie Newman‘s last quarter ensured Metro got the job done.

For NSW/ACT, Green (27 disposals, seven marks, 10 tackles, five clearances, four inside 50s, three rebounds and two goals) looked a class above, with he and Liam Delahunty (23 disposals, seven marks, two clearances and seven rebounds) living up to the high expectations as some of the state’s best prospects next year. Delahunty predominantly played back but went forward in the final term and had a couple of chances which just missed. Edwards was the most dangerous small up forward, but had what looked to be a bad hamstring injury in the dying minutes of the game. Hamish Ellem (11 disposals, three marks, nine hitouts, four clearances, four inside 50s and a goal) and Adam Whyte (12 disposals, six marks and four rebounds) were really good around the ground, while Barling’s two first quarter goals, and Will Chandler‘s (10 disposals, five marks and two inside 50s) work in the forward half was appreciated.

VIC METRO 4.3 | 5.4 | 10.11 | 13.13 (91)
NSW/ACT 2.1 | 6.3 | 7.4 | 12.8 (80)

GOALS:

Vic Metro: Josh Honey 2, Josh D’Intinosante 2, Lucas Rocci 2, Brodie Newman 2, Steven Kyriazis, Darcy Cassar, Daniel Mott, Hugo Ralphsmith, Sam Ramsay.
NSW/ACT: Cameron Edwards 3, Jackson Barling 2, Thomas Green 2, Luke Gallen, Willson Mack, Hamish Ellem, Lachlan Bayliss, Will Chandler.

ADC BEST:

Vic Metro: Josh D’Intinosante, Lachlan Potter, Mitch Mellis, Hugo Ralphsmith, Miles Bergman, Brodie Newman, Ryan Sturgess
NSW/ACT: Thomas Green, Liam Delahunty, Cameron Edwards, Hamish Ellem, Adam Whyte, Jackson Barling, Will Chandler