Harry Dean has staked his claim as the best key defender in the draft class with a clinical intercepting display in Vic Country's 14.10 94 to 9.10 64 win over Vic Metro at RSEA Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Carlton father-son prospect finished with 22 disposals, eight marks and 11 intercepts, with six of those intercepts in the first quarter as he showed his sizzling kicking and safe hands.

Talor Byrne was the star at the other end, kicking five goals in a statement small forward's outing.

It follows scintillating form for GWV this season as a lively forward presence with speed and strength.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 07: Harry Dean of Victoria Country in action during the Marsh AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Western Australia and Victoria Country at Mineral Resources Park, on June 07, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 07: Harry Dean of Victoria Country in action during the Marsh AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Western Australia and Victoria Country at Mineral Resources Park, on June 07, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

That pair was well aided by top Gippsland prospect Willem Duursma, who was injected into the midfield and finished with 27 disposals, six marks and five tackles as his athleticism, work rate and marking all shone through.

Geelong Falcons prospect Hugo Mikunda and bottom-aged Carlton father-son prospect Cody Walker were both key contributors.

For Vic Metro, Jack Dalton was back to his brilliant best after missing the first half of the season with injury, with the running machine gathering 27 touches and laying 10 tackles in a balanced midfield display.

Top 10 prospect Ollie Greeves finished his strong championships on a high with 24 disposals and four clearances and Essendon-tied Adam Sweid was also damaging with 24 and six clearances.

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PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Willem Duursma of VIC Country kicks the ball during the Marsh AFL National Championships match between U18 Boys Western Australia and Victoria Country at Revo Fitness Stadium on June 29, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

St Kilda Next Generation Academy prospect Kye Fincher was a key piece of the backline alongside Xavier Taylor.

The result lifts Vic Country to a 2-2 record across the carnival, with Vic Metro finishing with the same win-loss.