06/07/2007 4:40 PM
A fast start and four goals to the crafty Luke Potts handed Victoria Metro a comfortable 26-point win over South Australia at MC Labour Park on Friday.
Potts booted four of the seven goals scored by the Vics in an 18-possession game.
The lightly-built Dandenong 18-year-old tips the scales at just 68kg but fought out of his weight division as he laid 10 tackles in the soggy conditions.
After tasting defeat in game one of the championships against Western Australia the Victorian side was rarely challenged on Friday.
The hosts piled on four majors in the opening 10 minutes to set-up what proved to be a match-winning advantage.
In a game played predominantly between the 50-metre arcs after quarter-time there were few standout performers.
Highly-rated big man Matthew Kreuzer, tipped to be among the opening picks of the National Draft, did some nice things but failed to impose himself on the contest.
He took one mark and gathered 13 touches playing in a variety of roles, including in the ruck and as a ruck rover.
Mitchell Farmer was solid in defence and provided plenty of dash for the winners while tall Andrew Otten pulled in five marks and had 21 possessions.
Darcy Daniher, the son of former Essendon champion Anthony, was serviceable in defence.
For the second match in succession Brad Ebert, the cousin of Port Adelaide forward Brett, was South Australia's best.
He floated throughout the midfield collecting 23 touches.
Hamish Hartlett was another to impress while Sam Fairclough was excellent in the first half.
Victoria Metro 7.7 (49) d South Australia 3.5 (23).
Goals: Victoria Metro : Potts 4, De Bruin, Maric, Grant. South Australia : Holmes, Staple, White.
Best: Victoria Metro: Potts, Polkinghorne, Otten, Cotchin, Famer, De Bruin. South Australia: Ebert, Hartlett, Murphy, Fairclough, McNamara.