A SEVEN-GOAL haul from forward Julian Dobosz wasn't enough to help Tasmania over the line in its clash with Vic Country in round one of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships at Bellerive Oval on Sunday.
Tasmania trailed by 46 points at three-quarter time but had the advantage of kicking to the 'scoring end', favoured by a strong breeze, in the final quarter.
The home team kicked the opening four goals of the final term to close to within 17 points but Vic Country steadied, kicking the last two goals of the game to run out 22-point winners.
Dobosz also hauled in a game-high seven marks to earn best-afield honours, while midfielder John McKenzie also impressed in the midfield for Tasmania, gathering 24 possessions.
Sam Gordon and Jamie Elliott each kicked four goals for Vic Country and Clay Smith impressed around the stoppages, finishing with a game-high eight clearances.
Lachie Whitfield (24 possessions and two goals) and Brad Crouch (21 possessions) helped set up the win for Vic Country, offering plenty of drive from half-back.
Vic Country 4.4 6.7 13.5 15.15 (105)
Tasmania 0.0 4.1 6.1 13.5 (83)
GOALS
Vic Country: S Gordon 4, J Elliott 4, L Whitfield 2, N Haynes, N O'Brien, J Crisp, J Staley, T Elton
Tasmania: J Dobosz 7, B Cox-Goodyer 2, Z Hislop, N McCulloch, J Harper, J Thurlow
BEST
Vic Country: J Elliott, C Smith, L Whitfield, B Crouch, T Adams, J Kelly Tasmania: J Dobosz, L Owen, J McKenzie, B Mihocek, B Cox-Goodyer, Q Byard
By Katrina Gill, courtesy of afl.com.au
Last Modified on 05/06/2011 17:42