AFL Victoria Metro’s best young talent took on the Tasmanian State League at the University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston over the weekend.
After a promising start in the opening term, the AFL Vic Metro side were unable to wrest momentum of the game away from the TSL side which proved to be too strong.
TSL’s delivery into the forward line allowed for easier marking opportunities, permitting the Victorian side to get to the other end of the ground.
AFL Vic Metro captain Chris Carey was a strong contributor throughout the day, often providing first use of the ball at stoppages and winning the ruck contest.
Josh MacDonald also had a strong match, finishing with three goals and winning AFL Victoria’s Best on Ground medal.
MacDonald often tried to bring the game back onto Victorian terms with his attack on the contest and kicks out on the field, which proved dangerous on many occasions.
Tom Simpson, Tom Wallis and Harrison Tanner also had moments where they were giving AFL Vic Metro the opportunity to get back into the game, but just when they looked likely to get close enough to put pressure on the TSL, the locals were able to kick away again.
The Tasmanian State League were the better team on the day, defeating Vic Metro by 36 points.
The game was of a high standard throughout and proved to be a successful opportunity for some of the best young talent playing in the metropolitan community leagues to showcase their skills at a higher level.
AFL Victoria Metro: 3.1, 5.2, 7.4, 10.7 (67)
Goals: L. McVeigh 3, J. MacDonald 3, M. Calvaresi 2, J. Hobbs 1, T. Simpson 1
Best Players: J. MacDonald, C. Carey, T. Wallis, H. Tanner, T. Simpson, L. McVeigh
Tasmanian State League: 2.4, 7.6, 10.11, 15.13 (103)
Goals: A. Saunders 3, A. Grace 3, H. Kerinaiua 2, C. Daly 2, E. Reardon 2, S. Egger 1, J. Foon 1, C. Kilpatrick 1
Best Players: A. Grace, J. Ponting, J. McGuinness, K. Lovell, H. Kerinaiua, J. Foon
