DEFENDER Darcy Tucker shut down exciting West Australian Jarrod Pickett in an impressive performance for Vic Country in AFL national under-18 championships.
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The North Ballarat Rebel, playing at half-back, was among Country’s best, picking up 22 touches in a 62-point thrashing of Western Australia in Fremantle.
Fellow Rebel Dan Butler worked into plenty of action at the other end of the field. His three-goal effort from 16 disposals was eclipsed only by teammate Jack Lonie, who booted four goals from 24 disposals.
Country had solid contributors across the field and Western Australia struggled for stand-outs.
The match strengthened Country’s bid for the national title. Country has only dropped one match, to South Australia, in the opening four rounds.
If Country wins its final two games against South Australia (June 27) and Western Australia (July 2), it will claim the division one crown.
Rebels ruckman Rowan Marshall made a good return back from two weeks sidelined with an ankle injury when he helped the Rebels to a TAC Cup win against the Murray Bushrangers on Saturday.
Marshall will be out to consolidate form for the Rebels next week to reinforce his bid to break back into the Vic Country line-up.
VIC COUNTRY 4.6 7.7 11.8 14.13 (97)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 0.1 2.2 2.4 5.5 (35)
GOALS - Vic Country: Lonie 4, Butler 3, Webb 2, Wilson 2, Parish, Nyuon, Marchbank.
Western Australia: Stewart, Pickett, Watson, Bevan, Nelson.
BEST - Vic Country: Lonie, Dixon, Parish, Tucker, White, Nelson, Cunico.
Western Australia: Blakely, Hardisty, Winton, Watson, Dent, Smith.
