The McDonald’s SA Under-18 team has had its colours lowered by a powerful Victoria Metro side, losing by 67 points at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.
Forced on to the back foot right from the first bounce, the Croweaters found the going tough after trailing by 38 points at quarter-time.
The Navy Blues impressed with their slick ball movement through the corridor, regularly using the ball with skill from end-to-end.
SA wingman Izak Rankine sprang to life in the second term as he tried to drag his team into the contest, collecting 10 disposals for the term while also showing glimpses of his exciting dash.
After getting back into the contest in the early part of the second term, SA let things slip heading into the main change behind by a margin of 43 points.
The trend continued into the third quarter, as Vic Metro booted 4.2 to SA’s three behinds to establish a match-winning buffer at the last change.
West Adelaide’s Rankine finished with a team-high 22 disposals and looked the only consistent threat for SA in front of goals with 1.2.
Glenelg’s Alex Martini (20 disposals, 7 tackles) tried hard at the clearances in the centre before looking composed in defence in the second half while Norwood’s Harry Petty did an admirable job for SA in defence.
Despite conceding early goals to Vic Metro’s Will Sutherland early in the first term, Petty responded in fine fashion to finish with 18 disposals and six rebound 50s.
Left-footers Mitch Crowden, Brad McCarthy and Stefan Giro also tried hard for the visitors while South Adelaide’s Nathan Kreuger displayed glimpses of his talent to collect 16 disposals and a nice left foot snap on goal.
The loss puts SA out of contention to win the AFL National Championships as it now has a 1-2 win-loss record compared with Vic Metro, who are undefeated after three matches.
Pride will be on the line when the Croweaters play their fourth and final game of the carnival against Victoria Country at Simonds Stadium in Geelong next Wednesday.
SCOREBOARD
Vic Metro 7.3 11.3 15.5 18.7 (115)
SA 1.1 4.2 4.5 6.12 (48)
BEST – Vic Metro: Stephenson, Rayner, Constable, Higgins, Brayshaw, Coffield
SA: Petty, Zerk-Thatcher, Rankine, McCarthy, Martini, Giro.
GOALS – Vic Metro: Stephenson, Rayner 5, Sutherland 2, Constable, Fogarty, Xerri, Hayes, Petrucelle, Podhajski.
SA: Crowden, Rankine, Lukosius, Denton, Kreuger, Hewson.
Last Modified on 02/07/2017 10:54