A standout second quarter from Vic Metro was enough for to seal a win in the return of the AFL Victoria Community Cup at the weekend, taking a 38-point win over Vic Country.
Bringing together some of the best players from across the metropolitan leagues – including four players from the EDFL – Vic Metro turned it on after quarter-time, and in a high scoring contest they answered every challenge to win 18.17 (125) to 13.9 (87).
It was the first time a game of this type had been played since 1986, and just the second such game in the history of the game.
Airport West defender Sam Boyd played a standout game for Metro across half back, and said he enjoyed the contest and the chance to play with and against some of the best players in the state. “It was really enjoyable for the metro boys, especially in a game that hasn’t been played in nearly 30 years,” Boyd said.
“It’s obviously a big honour to represent your state, we had the rep carnival at the start of the year and I jumped at the chance to do that so when this came up I definitely wanted to be involved. It’s not for everyone with injuries and availability, but I think it’s great.”
It was tight and contested early in game, as a pre-match downpour made for slippery conditions and plenty of stoppages as Vic Country grabbed the first goal.
Balwyn skipper Rennie Gilchrist responded soon after for Metro, but was soon out of the game with concussion following a collision with Vic Country captain Tim Looby.
Deer Park’s Kwame McHarg got loose for two quick goals to give the Metro the lead, but Country stuck with them for the remainder of the term as they trailed by just a point at quarter-time. But Vic Metro improved as the conditions did, keeping Vic Country to two behinds as they kicked 5.3 to take control of the game in the second term.
The second half was a goal-for-goal affair, with the boys from the bush unable to bridge the gap as the city slickers took out the historic match.
Metro coach Brian Royal said he was proud of his boys and their commitment.
“I’m really rapt for the guys that committed themselves to play because they were making a sacrifice,” Royal said.
“I wanted to give the boys a good experience, aside from playing for the Big V, and I hope they got something out of it.”
