NORTH Ballarat Rebel Matt Crouch has played a dominant role for Vic Country, despite an 15-point loss to arch-rival Vic Metro today in the AFL national under-18 championships.
Crouch had 18 touches, booted a goal and laid seven tackles for Vic Country at Simonds Stadium.
Rebels Tyler Blake (six disposals) and Tanner Smith (11) were solid in defence.
In a close bout, scores were square 6.14 (50) at three-quarter-time before Metro's Jonathon O'Rourke broke the deadlock early in the final term.
Windy conditions troubled both teams in Geelong, creating inaccuracy in front of goal.
Jake Neade and Dom Barry represent the Northern Territory in a division two clash against Queensland at Visy Park tomorrow.