Friday will see what many consider to be the most anticipated match of the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships each year, when Vic Metro go head to head with neighbouring contender Vic Country.
The two sides have developed a fierce rivalry in recent years, with each team winning two games apiece in their last four official contests.
Vic Metro enter this challenge full of fighting spirit after defeating an inform South Australian side by 18 points in Adelaide. Vic Metro coach Rohan Welsh understands the battle his group with be entering in the coming days.
“This Friday should produce a really good challenge as a strong rivalry has been created between the two teams. Country beat us two years ago and the determination to prevail gets passed down from year to year.
“Vic Country has a very strong midfield which we will have to overcome as it helped them beat us in a trial match. However, our force lies in our forward line and if we can make the most of them we should be successful,” Welsh said.
Vic Country approaches the contest after a Round 3 loss to Western Australia at Paterson’s Stadium. The side were hampered by a quiet first quarter and after an inspiring fight back, could not hold onto the lead.
Coach Mark Ellis believes that this contest creates a lot of unnecessary hype each year, but the game will showcase some of the best talent entering this year’s draft.
“These boys play on a weekly basis against one another and should know exactly what they will be up against on Friday. It will be a great display of footy and highlight the success of the TAC Cup program.”
The two teams have had a taste of what their opponents will dish up to them, having played in trial matches leading up to the competition. Ellis feels the matches were as much a benefit to their own team as it was for scouting.
“For us, the trial games are about getting the boys together. They have worked hard individually but the practice matches helped us learn to play as a team. I think we get more out of it as a side then what we could achieve by researching the opposition,” Mark Ellis said.
A significant spotlight is put on individual performances throughout the tournament. However, a successful team will always aid a player’s ability to shine brighter than they can alone.
Who will make the most of this opportunity?
Click the link below to view team selections and follow @TACCup on twitter today for match updates.
Vic Metro vs Vic Country
Friday 29th June – 12:30pm
Simonds Stadium
Last Modified on 29/06/2012 09:46
