{"id":217684,"date":"2026-06-22T08:56:38","date_gmt":"2026-06-21T22:56:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=217684"},"modified":"2026-06-22T08:56:41","modified_gmt":"2026-06-21T22:56:41","slug":"metro-hits-wa-for-six-with-strong-second-half","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2026\/06\/22\/metro-hits-wa-for-six-with-strong-second-half\/","title":{"rendered":"Metro hits WA for six with strong second half"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

VIC METRO remained undefeated at the AFLW Under 18 Championships, setting up a tantalising crash course with South Australia next week after defeating Western Australia by 26 points at Cockburn on Saturday. The visitors were favourites heading into the match after disposing of Queensland while the Sandgropers were well beaten by South Australia, but it took until the second half to finally shake off the determined home side, 6.9 (45) to 2.7 (19).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first half saw a reinvigorated Western Australia outfit take an 11-point lead into half-time off the back of goals to Sienna Lilly<\/a> and Marley Kelman<\/a>, and arguably should have been further in front after missing some real gettable chances through the first term. Vic Metro also missed its fair share of opportunities across the opening 40 minutes, and headed into the rooms with just five behinds to their name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However that momentum would swing in the other direction and the Victorians would start to mount a comeback, before eventually storming right past the Sandgropers with a 6.4 (40) to 0.3 (3) second half. It turned an 11-point deficit into a 26-point win and ensured they headed into the contest with South Australia, unbeaten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was hard to deny the ruthless work of Vic Metro after half-time, really getting on top in the clearances (26-19 for the game), though Western Australia still had seven more entries (40-33) but could not capitalise on some close-range changes. Peel Thudner defender Heidi Ireland<\/a> produced the best ever defensive performance on pick one contender Bailee Martin<\/a>, keeping her touchless until the 18th minute of the second term, and just one goal for the game – which was kicked when she was briefly off the matchup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brylee Anderson<\/a> (23 disposals, three clearances, five tackles and four inside 50s) was busy around the ball alongside Eastern Ranges teammate Scout Semple<\/a> (14 disposals, four clearances and three inside 50s) as the pair really got on top on the inside. Calder inclusion Holly Clough<\/a> supported Cleo Barbakas<\/a> through the ruck in what was a tough assignment against the draft crop’s best ruck in Cara Dziegielewski<\/a> (24 hitouts and nine tackles from 15 disposals).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After only having four touches between them in the opening term, Vic Metro wingers Maddison Meagher<\/a> and Grace McIntyre<\/a> got busy to finish with 19 a touches, as Meagher (five marks and four inside 50s) and both kicked goals. Isabella Mazzei<\/a> had some great moments and was strong in the air playing in a pure forward role, while Alli Allen<\/a> was brave in defence until having to come off late in the match after copping a big hit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mia Carlshausen was terrific for Western Australia again. Image credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was a brutal game as Adelaide Caldicott<\/a> and Rikisha Nannup<\/a> both came from the field at one point after a clash, with the former returning in the fourth quarter, while the latter sat out the rest of the game. Speaking of tough, the bottom-age duo of Caitlin Boss<\/a> and Charlie Fletcher<\/a> were enormous around the ball, winning 41 disposals between them and Fletcher laid 13 tackles, while Boss had six and six inside 50s. In defence, Mia Carlshausen<\/a> was consistent and composed as ever, while Charli Bassett<\/a> racked up the clearances and Lexi Strachan<\/a> looked confident going into attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Vic Metro, it was a real team effort that showed they could win without a Martin bag, as instead the side had six individual goalkickers, while Sophia Green<\/a> (25 disposals, five marks and four rebound 50s) was her team’s top ball-winner in defeat. Addison West<\/a> continued around the ball, while Kiara Boyd<\/a> and Jacinta Eteuati<\/a> were rock solid in the back half of the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic Metro tackles South Australia next week at Alberton Oval in what could well decide the national championships title, while Western Australia has finished its home stint and heads to the Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley on Saturday, July 4 to face Vic Country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 0.3 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.7 (19)
VIC METRO 0.3 | 0.5 | 4.8 | 6.9 (45)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

GOALS:
Western Australia: <\/strong>S. Lilly, M. Kelman
Vic Metro:<\/strong> I. Godfrey, B. Martin, I. Mazzei, G. McIntyre, M. Meagher, T. Olivieri<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RMC BEST:
Western Australia: <\/strong>M. Carlshausen, C. Boss, C. Fletcher, C. Bassett. C. Dziegielewski
Vic Metro: <\/strong>B. Anderson, M. Meagher, S. Green, I. Mazzei, K. Boyd<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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