A SWAG of Eastern Ranges representatives have helped Vic Metro to an undefeated start in the AFL Under-18 National Championships.
Captain Joel Garner played his best game of the season on Saturday against Vic Country at Punt Road Oval, mopping up across half-back and helping Vic Metro control the play.
Garner collected 24 disposals and nine marks to be listed as his side’s best player.
“I thought I did OK, it was probably my best game of the year,” Garner said.
“I am loving it down at half-back, I had a little bit of it and I’m just really enjoying it and having heaps of fun, which is enabling me to play good footy.”
Midfielder Dylan Moore drifted forward and finished with two goals, reading the play well off the packs.
“He is the crumbing king at the moment and he is getting to the fall of every ball so he is playing really well,” Moore said.
Ranges teammates Adam Cerra and Jaidyn Stephenson both also kicked a goal, while ruckman Sam Hayes and Harrison Nolan were both influential over the duration.
Strong-bodied onballer Tom North came into Vic Metro’s team for Saturday’s game, replacing Trent Mynott.
Cerra picked up 24 disposals in the first game of the championships against Western Australia, while Mynott finished with 21 possessions.
Vic Metro will now be looking to go through the championships undefeated after winning the opening two games.
Scores were tied at quarter-time but Vic Metro led at the final three changes, holding off several Vic Country challenges to record a 22-point win.
“It was another good win, especially in the biggest game of the championships against (Vic) Country,” Garner said.
“It was an outstanding game, Country kept coming and we kept finding ways to deal with the pressure they were putting on.”
Vic Metro’s next game will be on Friday at Etihad Stadium against South Australia.
Last Modified on 27/06/2017 16:49