The Victorian Football League was unable to topple the South Australian National Football League in the state representative game on Saturday.
With some of the best state-league players in Australia all on one ground, it was the travelling SANFL side that led at the end of every quarter to claim the 22-point win, 18.10 (118) to 14.12 (96).
At Port Melbourne’s North Port Oval, things looked good for the VFL early after Julian Rowe kicked the game’s first goal.
PICTUTE GALLERY: VFL v SANFL
However, the SANFL players weren’t about to let the home side get out to any big leads and Tim McIntyre responded with two goals of his own.
The sides traded a goal each for the remainder of the quarter, which allowed South Australia to hang on to a five-point advantage.
When play resumed, the second term followed a similar narrative to the first, with SANFL hitting the scoreboard early, thanks to back-to-back goals from Michael Wundke, only to be reeled in late by the VFL.
The momentum swings continued throughout the afternoon as both teams enjoyed controlling portions of the match.
South Australia looked the likely winner with a 20-point lead late in the third quarter, only for the VFL to launch a spirited fightback.
The home team booted six of the next seven goals to take an 11-point lead.
But the burst of outstanding play only spurred on the SANFL to lift again, its players launching one final assault, kicking six of the last seven goals to seal the win.
Williamstown’s Adam Marcon continued his outstanding season and was named best on ground for the Victorians.
Marcon was exceptional in the midfield and finished the game with 29 possessions.
He was well supported by Footscray’s Nick Lower, who had 32 disposals, while Port Melbourne’s Chris Cain was also impressive. For South Australia, Wundke proved a constant headache for the VFL, kicking five goals.
VFL football resumes this week with Footscray taking on Frankston, while Werribee will travel to Williamstown for the local derby.
