Vic Metro claims historic first win in AFL Victoria Community Cup clash with Vic Country

VIC Metro claimed a historic first win in the AFL Victoria Community Cup as some of the brightest stars from the state’s metropolitan and country competitions battled it out on Saturday.

Vic Metro players celebrate their AFL Victoria Community Cup win over Vic Country on Saturday. Photo: Yuri Kouzmin

VIC Metro claimed a historic first win in the AFL Victoria Community Cup as some of the brightest stars from the state’s metropolitan and country competitions came together to battle it out on Saturday.

In just the second match of its kind — 28 years after the first match in 1986 which was won by Vic Country — Vic Metro claimed a comfortable 38-point win at Werribee’s Avalon Airport Oval, 18.17 (125) to 13.9 (87).

Featuring players from the VAFA, Eastern, Northern, Essendon District and Western Region leagues, the metropolitan side was barely challenged after quarter-time, turning a one-point advantage at the first change into a five-goal half-time lead and going on with it in the second half.

Clean hands in slippery conditions and clinical ball movement to the half-forward line proved the difference between the two sides.

Vic Metro captain Nat Caruso, from Essendon District FL side Northern Saints, said being involved in the representative side was a good experience and snagging the win only made it more memorable.

“It was great just to be a part of it but to captain the winning side was even better,” he said.

“For me personally I love interleague and to represent your state in a Metro side is great. I reckon a lot of boys should get on-board.”

Montmorency skipper Ryan Jackson and Old Melbournians’ Thomas Paule took home the medals as Vic Metro’s best but were far from the only standouts.

Tim Jenkins (St Albans), Lee Spiteri (Altona) and Joel Rice (Old Carey) also impressed through the midfield while ruckman Matthew Dennis (Bundoora) earned his spot in the side’s best.

Deer Park forward Kwame McHarg was the pick of the forwards, slotting three first-half goals to help set up the win before finishing the game with four majors to his name.