Vic Metro's remains unbeaten at the Under-18s National Championships after a commanding 83-point win over the Allies.
The Victorians' lead tipped over 100 points briefly in the last quarter before some late goals saved face for the Allies in their third game, with the final score reading 20.19 139 to 8.8 56.
An eight goal to zero first quarter set the scene for a day where most Vic Metro players had moments as the collective skill and intensity of Lauren Morecroft's side was a class above the Allies.
Vic Metro
George Dimer – forward
What a game for the Sandringham small forward. Finished with three two and three direct goal assists in a complete game for the half forward where his crumbing, decision-making and finishing was elite. Undoubtedly, the highlight of his day was a crumbing goal in the third quarter where he roved a marking contest, powered through traffic with speed and snapped from 20. Then in the last quarter, he set up teammate Jett Flower for a set shot, and his shot fell short against the wind, and Dimer had continued working and showed good craft to get it through for a goal. His selflessness to bring others into the game and inside 50 connection were also features of his performance.
Harvie Cooke – forward/midfielder
Has a knack of putting himself in dangerous spots and plays above his 176cm listing. Was a conduit in transition in the first quarter and led up well to the ball carrier throughout the day, finishing with nine marks among his 22 disposals. Deserved a goal for all of his hard work, but was involved in plenty of scoring chains and backed his speed to break the lines, while he also got high up the ground regularly. A run down holding the ball tackle in the third quarter was also a highlight.
Jordan Knapp – midfielder
The starting midfielder was at his reliable best on Sunday. Was generally clean in traffic and found space, buying himself time to distribute to a teammate Overworked his opponent, getting involved in possession chains and helped his side move the ball forward with a minimum of risk The only thing missing was a goal as he failed to convert any of his three chances, but he set up teammate Jake Miller in the third quarter with a chiselling kick to advantage, and finished with four clearances among a game-high 31 disposals.
Toby Krasna – winger
The elusive, hard-running Krasna popped up everywhere on Sunday. If there was a groundball to be won or spillage at the front of a marking contest, it felt like he was sweeping on it and he drove the ball forward with conviction, using his sidestep to get away from traffic. A lovely user on the outside, he generated plenty of transition and backed himself to break through physical contact.
Gus Teixeira – forward/midfielder
A pleasing show of Teixeira's forward craft for much of the afternoon, he was the clear standout for his side, finishing with 4.3. His first two goals came in the space of a minute in the first term, one via a hit up lead and the other a convincing snap after his side won the subsequent centre clearance. His ability to lose an opponent on a lead or overwork them has been a feature which has continually been on display in 2026 and he commands the footy with his presence and the spots he puts himself in. After previously showing promise when rotating forward, Sunday was the surest sign that he has the capacity to start his AFL career as a genuine goal kicking threat, while he also made smart decisions going inside 50, none better than a kick which set up a Jake Miller set shot in the last term. Also rotated into the midfield and played with his typical class and toughness.
Lochie Burrows – winger/defender
His previous two games in the Vic Metro jumper were impressive for his drive and creativity out of the backline; on Sunday it was some of his defensive actions which caught the eye. He laid a strong tackle and took an important intercept mark in the first quarter as Vic Metro built some attack off his work. In the second quarter, he won an important one on one against AFL Academy member Sonny Smiler which saved a shot on goal, and then laid a goal saving tackle on the last line of defence later in the quarter. Continued to work hard and opened the game up when he got the footy, with his impact greater than the 18 disposal count would suggest.
Arki Butler – forward/midfielder
Scored two first quarter goals as he found plenty of freedom in the forward line and looked every bit a top five prospect. One of those goals was a lovely set shot kick from a tight angle, while his repeat efforts to pressure the Allies defence also stood out. Was always willing to bite off dangerous kicks, highlighted by an inside 45 kick to Harvie Cooke who took two bounces and just missed a running shot late in the first quarter. Also laid a bruising holding the ball tackle in a fine first quarter. Spent time in the midfield after halftime where his ball use and clean skills were on display, before sitting out the fourth quarter with a corkie.
Blake Justice – forward
A first quarter goal set the scene for a lively day for Justice, who finished with 11 disposals playing as a hybrid forward. Took just the three marks but competed well aerially and had some almost moments as he used his deceptively strong 191cm frame and reach to get his hands on plenty of inside 50 entries. Was also dynamic at forward 50 stoppages and had some eye-catching moments of cleanliness and quick hands, proving a duel threat.
Harry Chapman – winger/half-back
Was at his best in the first quarter when Vic Metro established the game-winning lead. Got plenty of handball receives and was at his damaging best when going forward, with two direct goal assists in the first quarter as he used his punchy kick to put it to his teammates' advantage. Was caught with the footy a couple of times but didn't panic, able to find a teammate, and took a strong mark in the last quarter to lock the ball inside Vic Metro's attacking half.
Sam Gayfer – forward
Kicked two goals and took five marks from 10 possessions on a solid day for the Northern Knights forward, but finished the game with a ice on his leg so may be one who is rotated on a five-day break given Vic Metro's depth of tall forward options. Showed poise in the second quarter to laterally centre a ball to Jordan Knapp inside 50 rather than taking a rushed shot himself. Came into the game in that second quarter, kicking a goal from a free kick and competed well for the rest of the afternoon. Also showed good footy smarts to intercept an Allies kick in, but missed the ensuing shot. A holding the ball free kick led to him kicking the first goal of the last quarter.
Jake Miller - forward
Another fine performance from the bottom-aged forward, taking 10 marks and having six shots on goal, the only thing letting him down being his conversion as he finished with 2.4. He took contested marks both down the line and inside 50 and got high up the ground to present a bail out option out of defence. His trademark work rate and ability to outmanoeuvre and outreach opponents were on show, while a corridor kick to Albert MacGowan in the third term was a highlight.
Tyson Bradley – defender
Despite having just two disposals to quarter time, he started the game excellently, with his positioning, ability to work his opponent under the ball and ability to neutralise one-on-one contests stymying the Allies' forays forward. Took a pair of strong intercept marks, one of which was in the first quarter, while he never rushed when he had the footy. A switch kick to Lochie Burrows as he was being tackled was symbolic of the calmness and decision-making under pressure he brought.
Allies
Archie Hill - wing
Has spent time on the wing for the Allies, a position which is increasingly demanding strong marking and that was a feature of his game on Sunday, with his best grab being in a contest inside 50, after which he kicked a set shot goal. Took some kick ins where he showed his drive and always had composure with ball in hand. When the Allies were transitioning effectively, he was generally part of it. Also got a goal saving touch on the last line of defence which highlighted his two-way running power.
Other Talent Pathway tidbits
Bendigo Pioneers bottom-ager kicked six goals in a big win over Murray Bushrangers on Saturday. Playing his most natural position having been exposed to the backline early in the season, Thompson looked damaging across the four quarters
Eastern Ranges pair Zac Antonellos and Sam Devers both successfully returned from injury on Saturday. It was Devers' first game of the year and he is viewed as a player who could bolt in the second half of the season, finishing with 24 disposals, while Antonellos played in Eastern Ranges' premiership last year and had 23 disposals and six tackles in a dynamic performance. Both are train-on players in the Vic Metro squad.
Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy prospect Khaled El Souki returned from injury on Sunday for the Western Jets, kicking two goals from six disposals on limited game time.
After coming out of Vic Metro's lineup for the second game of the Under-18s National Championships, Harrison Leeder kicked two of Northern Knights' five goals in a loss to Western Jets.
Essendon Next Generation Academy prospect Koby Bewick returned from injury for Calder Cannons on Sunday, finishing with 28 disposals in a strong display.
