VIC Metro may not have won the AFL Under 18 National Championship crown, but coach Rohan Welsh said he could not have been prouder with the way the team finished off the series.
After losing to Vic Country in the opening match of the Championship, Vic Metro strung together four wins, including road victories against Tasmania, winner of Division 2, and South Australia.
Metro ended its campaign with a 19-point win against West Australia, 11.8 (74) to 8.7 (55), a scoreline that could have been greater but for wasted opportunities, inside the forward 50.
Welsh said Metro stifled West Australia’s ploy of using a spare man to run and carry with its intense pressure all over the ground and was able to continually apply scoreboard pressure.
There was no greater example than Cameron Guthrie who shut out WA star Harley Bennell, restricting him to eight possessions.
“One of Cam’s real strengths as a player is his ability to shut someone down and his determination not to get beaten,” Welsh said.
Oakleigh Charger Andrew Gaff continued his outstanding Championships with Thomas Schenider, and Thomas Liberatore dominant through the midfield.
Welsh praised ruckman Billy Longer and defenders Matthew Watson and Darcy Barden in attack for their overall performance.
He added that Mitch Wallis who missed the West Australia match had been one of the midfield spark plugs.
“We had really good contributors all over the ground and that’s what you want,” he said.
“Matty Watson was outstanding down back for us against West Australia. He was like that all carnival.
“He had a couple of big jobs. He played on (Sam) Day from South Australia and took everything before and used the ball really well.
“He was tight when he needed to be tight, spoilt well, ran off and created options for us and against Northern Territory he went forward and gave us a focal point.
“The injection of Josh Caddy to come in midway through and he was sensational. He really gave us great drive.”
Welsh said Metro was left to reflect on what might have been after dropping the opening match against Vic Country.
“We may have been under prepared for that game and possibly went in one ruckman short, but that was the way we decided to go in and we live by that,” Welsh said.
“Since Game 1, the boys have been fantastic. Obviously, winning both interstate matches and then to come home and beat West Australia was really pleasing.”
Welsh said it was disappointing that Metro was unable to get its best team on the park with Mitch Wallis and Dion Prestia missing games as well as Caddy.
Gaff, Liberatore, Wallis and Watson are among those who’ll figure prominently in All Australian discussion.
Last Modified on 18/08/2010 11:49