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Game Report: Vic Metro vs WA

Vic Metro takes out NAB AFL U18 crown

By Matt Burgan
4:35 PM Wed 09 July, 2008

VIC METRO has won this year's NAB AFL under-18 championships after holding off Western Australia by 29 points in the deciding match at Telstra Dome on Wednesday.

Metro defeated the Sandgropers 14.9 (93) to 9.10 (64) to regain the title the side last won in 2006, after WA won the carnival last year. The result capped off yet another outstanding series for Vic Metro, which has now won 13 titles since the state split into two teams in 1989. It was also coach David ****son's eighth championship victory.

Tyrone Vickery, a 200cm tall, kicked three goals for Metro and was impressive up forward and in the ruck, while David Zaharakis, a player who was close to being drafted last year, had 18 disposals.

Jack Watts booted two goals against the Sandgropers and won the Larke Medal for the best division one player in the championships.

Vic Metro defender Michael Hurley was also excellent down back and he was duly rewarded with his side's most valuable player award.

One of this year's top draft prospects, Daniel Rich, was outstanding with 23 touches, while Clancee Pearce – who was Western Australia's most valuable player – was his side's leading ball-winner with 26 disposals. Chris Yarran also chipped in with three goals.

Vic Metro 5.1 8.3 11.6 14.9 (93)
Western Australia 2.1 3.4 5.7 9.10 (64)

GOALS
Vic Metro: Vickery 3, Banner 2, Blease 2, McKernan 2, Watts 2, Zaharakis 2, Lynch
Western Australia: Yarran 3, Hill, Jetta, Klause, Lucas, Naitanui, Rich

BEST
Vic Metro: Vickery, Zaharakis, Banner, Blease, Hurley, Shuey, Scully, Gotch
Western Australia: Rich, Hill, Pearce, Walters, Jetta, Yarran, Naitanui

At Telstra Dome

Player Report: Vic Metro vs WA

Eye-catchers: Vic Metro v WA

By Jason McCartney
1:32 PM Thu 10 July, 2008

AFL youth and high performance coordinator and former AFL star Jason McCartney tells afl.com.au about the players who caught his eye on the final day of the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships.

Here are his assessments after Vic Metro won the title, defeating Western Australia by 29 points in the third and final match of the triple-header at Telstra Dome on Wednesday.


VIC METRO v WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Vic Metro
Mitch Banner – Consistent throughout, Mitch won 28 disposals and is very hard-at-it. He is very good around the clearances and works well both ways – rebounding and sending the ball inside 50. He shows a fair bit of courage, particularly overhead, so that's a really good sign. He finished with two goals and had the complete game, capping off a fine carnival.

David Zaharakis – Playing off the wing and through the midfield, David showed great leadership qualities in his role as captain, particularly with his attack on the footy. He uses the ball well, breaks the line and after resting last game, came back against Western Australia and more than played his part.

Michael Hurley – He's been outstanding. No doubt in my mind, he should be All-Australian again at full-back. He really looked the part on the big stage – he's big and strong. There has been a question mark over his leg speed, but his anticipation is very good and his marking is a highlight. In a star-studded line-up, he won Vic Metro's MVP.

Tyrone Vickery – I loved his game. He was outstanding overhead and is just as good below the knees and at ground level – up forward and in the ruck. Tyrone was really dangerous when he was in attack, kicking three goals. And full credit to him, after coming back from a full knee reconstruction.

Shaun McKernan – His marking was strong. He looked so free – again, it was uncanny how much he plays like Corey. He had nine hit-outs and along with Vickery, they were able to curb the influence of Nick Naitanui. He was particularly good early when the game was at its hottest.

Western Australia
Clancee Pearce – He ended up with 26 disposals and was voted by Western Australia's coaching staff as its MVP. Clancee was very consistent off half-back and he backs himself. He loves to run with the footy and although he makes a few blues along the way, he actually takes the game on and tries to make something happen.

Daniel Rich – I thought he was fantastic. He had 17 disposals in the first half and ended up with 23 for the game. His clearance work was again enormous and his inside 50s were really dangerous. That left-foot is lethal and it takes him one-step to kick 55 metres with penetration and accuracy. I spoke to Nathan Buckley after the game who said: 'I like what I see'.

Michael Walters – He had 18 disposals and for a little guy, he was good in a marking situation. There is no doubt he is a super talent, but I saw some really selfless acts. The defensive side of the game is starting to catch on and that's the pleasing thing. It's complementing his great skills.

Stephen Hill – He played on Tom Scully, an outstanding bottom-age prospect, but they had a really good duel. Scully had 14 disposals and Hill had 16, but Stephen showed his class several times. He had four tackles and was good in close. Stephen has played some really good run-with roles.