Oakleigh Charger Jack Silvagni’s six goals helped Vic Metro claim its first win of the NAB AFL U18 Championships with a 74-point defeat of Western Australia at Domain Stadium in Perth, 19.7 (121) to 7.5 (47).
The 190cm key forward, son of former Carlton champion Stephen Silvagni, also had 18 disposals and took seven marks in a powerful performance, while Eastern Ranges midfielder Ryan Clarke and Calder Cannons small forward Hisham Kerbatieh each booted three goals.
Clarke (27 disposals, five clearances, five inside-50s) was one of Metro’s most prolific ball-winners, along with Northern Knight Jade Gresham (26 disposals, five clearances, five inside-50s) who captained the team in the absence of regular skipper Theo Thompson (Sandringham Dragons) and vice-captains Ben Crocker (Oakleigh), Nick O’Kearney (Calder) and Sam Weideman (Eastern).
In a welcome boost for Metro, Silvagni, Clarke and Gresham all returned to the team after missing last week’s 35-point loss to Vic Country.
Others to come back into the squad and perform impressively were Eastern’s Bryce Batty (24 disposals, five clearances) and Sandringham Dragon Harley Balic (20 disposals, nine marks).
Metro bounced out of the gates in the first quarter, kicking the first four goals of the game before WA hit back with two of its own to head into quarter time 11 points in arrears.
But Metro flexed its muscle in the second term, booting 5.5 to just two behinds to essentially end the match as a contest.
The Western Australians then opened the second half with three consecutive goals to get within 26 points at the 11-minute mark of the third quarter, but Metro answered again with 10 of the last 12 goals of the match – including four to Silvagni – to seal their maiden victory of the Championships.
Vic Country plays SA in the top of the ladder clash on Sunday - follow @TACCup from 11:30am for live updates.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2.2 2.4 5.4 7.5 (47)
VIC METRO 4.1 9.6 13.6 19.7 (121)
GOALS
Western Australia: Waterman 2, Hinchcliffe, Clark, Schoenfeld, Daniels, Zurharr
Vic Metro: Silvagni 6, Clarke 3, Kerbatieh 3, Hardwick 2, Moore 2, Gresham, Gallucci, Perry
BEST
Western Australia: Hinchcliffe, Mountford, Ridley, Snadden, Clark, Schoenfeld
Vic Metro: Gresham, Clarke, Silvagni, Balic, Phillips, Batty
The Western Australia v Vic Metro will be broadcast by FOX FOOTY (Channel 504) on delay, Sunday, June 14 at 11am EST.
Last Modified on 13/06/2015 18:33
