A best-on-ground performance from Mathew Ryan wasn’t enough to lift the Western Region Football League to victory in the AFL Victoria metro championships on Saturday.
Competing against a star-studded Eastern Football League outfit, the WRFL showed no signs of early nerves, taking the fight up to their cross-town rivals.
With Ryan and midfielder Jack Purton-Smith winning plenty of ball through the centre, the WRFL booted two first-quarter goals to hold a seven-point lead at the opening break.
From there, the EFL juggernaut clicked into gear.
Shayne Allan and Luke Barker were dynamic up forward as East booted nine goals in the next two quarters to take a 30-point lead.
The WRFL did rally, cutting the margin to just 16 following a Jayden Post goal in the third term.
But it wasn’t enough to topple Eastern which ran away with a 34-point win, 13.10 (88) to 8.6 (54).
WRFL coach Brett Jacobs said his side had needed to capitalise on its strong early play.
“I thought the game was really high-skilled and there was good pressure out there,” he said.
“We started really well but just didn’t put any scoreboard pressure on them.
“Once they turned the momentum their way they were able to score and put the pressure on us and we were never able to peg it back.
“They’re obviously a very strong league and a well-drilled side. They were just too good for us on the day.”
Werribee Districts forward Andrew Panayi was the only multiple goal scorer for the WRFL, booting two majors.
Also hitting the scoreboard were James Wong, Christian Elliott, Jordan Robbins and Murray Boyd.
“I was really impressed by a lot of our guys,” Jacobs said.
“Mathew Ryan has been a good player in the competition for a long period of time. He was vice-captain of the team, which was really well deserved and he was a great contributor.
“I thought Wayde Skipper was outstanding in the ruck and Jack Purton-Smith had a lot of possessions and worked tirelessly.”
For the EFL, Matthew Aver was among his league’s best players for the match, while Glen Manson and Adam Parker were also impressive.
The result means the WRFL will take on the Southern Football League at next year’s interleague championships.
