AFL Draft 2022: Vic Country wins opening game thriller against SA

A Vic Country young gun who can’t be drafted this year has caught the eye in the opening match of the under-18s championship campaign.

Tongala’s Harley Reid has helped Country to a first-up win in the under-18 national championships with a starring role against South Australia on Sunday.

Reid, who is unable to be drafted this year, has played mostly as a forward for the Bendigo Pioneers this season, but was used down back as South Australia threatened to snatch victory in the dying stages.

Victorian Country held on for a two-point win in Adelaide as the home state kicked 0.7 in the final term after trailing by three points at the last change.

Port Fairy’s Toby McMullin’s second goal for the match early in the final term extended Victorian Country’s lead to eight points before South Australia attacked repeatedly, but came up short.

Harley Reid of Victoria Country runs with the ball against South Australia. Picture: Kelly Barnes/Getty Images

Reid took 10 marks for the match on the last line of defence, but none was more important than one with less than three minutes to go.

“He’s a forward, midfielder, but they put him back and he killed them,” AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan said.

“They needed someone in defence and he just shone.

“He was very strong for most of the game and just outstanding when the heat went on in the last quarter.”

Victorian Country’s Oliver Hollands had 10 touches and kicked a goal against South Australia. Picture: Kelly Barnes/Getty Images

Queenscliff’s Jhye Clark and Wodonga’s Oliver Hollands were standouts in the Victorian Country midfield with 24 and 19 possessions respectively plus a goal each.

Maffra pair Jonti Schuback and Coby Burgiel also had 20-plus touches and Yarrawonga’s Caleb Mitchell performed well on the wing.

Darley key forward Aaron Cadman and Foster’s Zane Duursma also booted two goals.

Jhye Clark gives chase against South Australia. Picture: Kelly Barnes/Getty Images

South Australia’s Adam D’Aloia had the most possessions in the match with 28 and was his team’s standout player with seven clearances and eight tackles.

Victorian Country coach Paul Corrigan said it was lucky to escape with a win.

“We started really well and South Australia then got on top a bit in the second quarter before we hit back in the third,” he said.

“We had real momentum in the first half of the last quarter before it swayed back to SA.

“Some of our defensive stuff was really strong.

“Obviously they missed a few goals and we were lucky enough to hold on.”

Kyneton’s Jack O’Sullivan injured a shoulder in the match and will be assessed during the week.

Victorian Country travels to Brisbane to play its second match against the Allies this weekend.