HEADLINED by top-rated draft prospects Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell, Vic Metro sealed its first win for the 2019 Under 18 Championship carnival with a grinding 17 point victory against South Australia at Alberton Oval. The score line was kind to the Croweaters as an inaccurate Metro kept the door slightly ajar for a South Australian comeback.

Both sides started slowly with Vic Metro’s Hugo Ralphsmith breaking through to kick the first goal of the game. South Australia responded as South Adelaide’s Daniel Sladojevic combined with club teammate Darnell Tucker to kick SA’s first for the contest. Metro took a slight advantage into the first break as theme of low scoring continued from the Western Australia and Allies match-up in the curtain raiser. The second quarter saw Vic Metro come firing out of the blocks with Rowell and Jack Mahony dominating clearances and the ground ball with Mahony hitting the scoreboard with a goal to extend Metro’s lead. Emerson Jeka profited from frequent inside 50 entrances with two marks from commanding leads but was unable to convert, kicking minor scores. Anderson showed his effectiveness when pushed up forward taking a solid mark inside 50, but was also unable to convert. South Australia’s Karl Finlay and Will Day stood strong in defence despite the constant Vic Metro inside 50 entries, resulting in Metro only leading by 18 points at the main break.

After the main break, South Australia roared into contention as Sturt’s Jed McEntee kicked truly from the set-shot after intercepting a wayward Metro kick in their defensive 50. Glenelg’s Brady Searle got another for the Croweaters and suddenly South Australia closed the gap to single goal with underager Luke Edwards’ brilliant checkside-snap goal. Unfortunately for South Australia, that’s where their best period of the match ended as Metro’s star quality shone through as the Big V powered away to a 30-point lead at the final break. Josh Worrell’s forward pressure was a sight to behold for a player of his size as a direct smother inside 50 resulted in a momentum-changing goal for Metro. Anderson then kicked his first for the match, kicking a great goal off one step from 45 meters out and Jeka was able to kick his first goal of the championships. The final quarter proved to be South Australia’s, kicking three goals to Vic Metro’s one but still unable to give Metro a scare. Tucker kicked a great goal from a tight angle as Searle kicked his second for the game. Sturt’s Josh Shute was eye-catching in the final quarter with his inside 50 entries but was overshadowed by the class of Rowell who continued to win every ball at ground level he contested. Anderson kicked another great goal from across his body just inside the 50 to top off a wonderful performance. Oliver Grivell kicked a consolation goal for the Croweaters which saw SA handed their first loss in the Championships since 2017.

Metro skipper Anderson was best afield finishing with 27 disposals, seven inside 50s and two goals, while Oakleigh teammate Rowell was outstanding once more with 26 touches, seven marks and four clearances. After four goals in the loss to Western Australia, Worrell continued his goalkicking form adding another three to his tally. Mahony provided support to Rowell with 22 disposals and eight inside 50s, while Trent Bianco and Lachlan Potter also provided plenty of run off half-back. Harry Schoenberg was tireless for South Australia leading the stat sheet with 29 disposals, seven marks and seven tackles. Finlay and Day were impressive in defence for SA, as defensive lieutenant Will Gould was continually moved across defence and forward. Port Adelaide father-son Jackson Mead was consistent with 25 disposals and nine tackles while Sturt pair McEntee and Shute were also serviceable.

Next round, both teams will travel to GMHBA stadium, with South Australia facing Vic Country and Vic Metro face winless Allies.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 1.2 | 1.3 | 4.4 | 7.8 (50)
VICTORIA METRO 1.4 | 3.9 | 8.10 | 9.13 | (67)

GOALS

South Australia: Searle 2, Edwards, McEntee, Grivell, Sladojevic, Tucker
Vic Metro: Worrell 3, Anderson 2, Mahony, Mott, Ralphsmith, Jeka

BEST

South Australia: H.Schoenberg, W.Day, J.Mead, K.Finlay, J.Shute, B.Searle
Vic Metro: N.Anderson, M.Rowell, J.Mahony, J.Worell, T.Bianco, D.Mott