Incredibly, South Australia did not get within 14 points of Metro after that, with Grace Belloni<\/a> adding her name to the scorers list in the second term. It took until an Asha Dufour<\/a> running goal to get SA on the board, but that was immediately countered by Knight’s second goal from straight out of the middle on the edge of half-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite Metro lead 5.0 to 1.4 at the main break, credit had to go to the defenders, in particular Lou-Lou Field<\/a> and Sienna Tallariti<\/a> with the former having 11 disposals and five marks in the first quarter alone. The best on in the first half, and across all the four quarters was Sierra Grieves<\/a> though who amassed 15 disposals to the main break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n For the Croweaters, it was India Rasheed<\/a> and Laela Ebert<\/a> who were holding their own around the stoppages, while the defensive work of Esther Schirmer<\/a> to shutdown the incredibly dangerous Georgie Brisbane<\/a> was a huge credit to her as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately for the two-time champions despite kicking the first through Georgia McKee<\/a> just over a minute into the second half, Metro would kick the last two goals of the quarter and only extend the lead, going out to 27 points with a quarter to play. It was fitting that Grieves got her name on the goalkickers list via a 45m finish, and then Abbey Vicino<\/a> all but sealed the result with a classy running goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n South Australia’s hopes of an unlikely comeback were dashed when Sophie McKay<\/a> – who played forward in the last quarter – iced the game early. The Croweaters would respond through bottom-age talents Sophie Eaton<\/a> and Monique Bessen<\/a>, but another immediate response from Knight as had been the case on the edge of half-time put any thought of a comeback to bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charlotte Riggs<\/a> who add another major to the South Australian’s final total, but it was a mere consolation major as Vic Metro would come away with the ultra-impressive 21-point win. The Croweaters outscored Metro by a goal in the last term, but the better – and crucially more accurate – team on the day had won.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Without a doubt Grieves was best on ground, racking up a match high 28 disposals and eight clearances – 13 and six respectively came in the second half – as well as five marks, four inside 50s, five rebound 50s and a goal. She also earned MVP honours for her state after a wonderful carnival. Belloni and Sarah Poustie<\/a> were rock solid through midfield with the former also spending time inside 50, while Field and Tallariti were strong behind the ball. Scout Howden<\/a> also stepped up with some hard running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For South Australia, once Grace Martin<\/a> moved into the middle, the Eagles youngster put a two-disposal first half behind her to rack up 18 touches in the second half – the most on the ground – to finish with 20, as well as three marks, two tackles, two clearances, four inside 50s and three rebound 50s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ebert was her state’s best with 25 disposals, five clearances, five tackles and four inside 50s, while Rasheed, Dufour and bottom-age inclusion Imogen Trengove<\/a> were also very good. Schirmer did a huge job in defence, while Lucy Boyd<\/a> quelled McDonald’s usual aerial dominance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n VIC METRO 3.0 | 5.0 | 7.2 | 9.4 (58) GOALS:<\/strong> RMC BEST:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Laela-Ebert-1024x683.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Sierra-Grieves-1024x683.jpg\")
SOUTH AUSTRALIA 0.2 | 1.4 | 2.5 | 5.7 (37)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vic Metro:<\/strong> G. Knight 3, G. Belloni, S. Grieves, E. McDonald, S. McKay, S. Stevenson, A. Vicino
South Australia:<\/strong> A. Dufour, G. McKee, S. Eaton, M. Bessen<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vic Metro:<\/strong> S. Grieves, L. Field, S. Poustie, S. Tallariti, G. Belloni
South Australia:<\/strong> L. Ebert, E. Schirmer, I. Rasheed, I. Trengove, A. Dufour<\/p>\n\n\n\n