Bottom-aged key forward prospect Sam Hayes has booted three goals to steer Vic Metro to a 14-point victory over the Allies in Friday's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships at Etihad Stadium.
Hayes, a potential top-five selection in next year's draft, booted three goals from 13 disposals to ensure Vic Metro remains in the box seat to secure its 16th Division One Under-18 title.
Metro now just needs to beat Western Australia at Simonds Stadium next Wednesday in its final game of the carnival to take home the silverware.
Hayes, who stands at 200cm and can move exceptionally well for a big man, was an important target for Metro in its 10.14 (60) to 8.12 (74) win.
However, the work of Corey Lyons, younger brother of Adelaide's Jarryd, was equally impressive as he racked up 20 disposals and a goal.
Dylan Clarke, the younger brother of North Melbourne's Ryan, continued his stellar form in the Championships with another 26 touches and five clearances.
The result looked to be almost elementary as Metro kicked five goals to nil in the first term. But the Allies hit back with four goals to nil of their own in the second quarter to get back in touch.
The Allies, coached by Tadgh Kennelly, hit the lead halfway through the third term as Jack Bowes (20 disposals and seven inside 50s) and Harry Perryman (18) started to exert their influence.
The match was in the balance even into the final term before Callum Brown, the son of Collingwood's Gavin, kicked a clever snap out of a pack to drag Metro over the line with only a few minutes left in the contest.
Andrew McGrath, whose draft stocks are rising considerably, had an excellent second half to finish with 24 disposals and six clearances as he spent time in the midfield.
Jordan Ridley, who took a spectacular pack mark in the second quarter, also impressed with 18 possessions and seven marks for Metro.
Greater Western Sydney academy member Charlie Spargo was lively up forward, while Jacob Allison also worked hard for the Allies with 14 touches and a goal.
VIC METRO 5.1 5.6 6.9 10.14 (74)
ALLIES 0.5 4.7 6.10 8.12 (60)
GOALS
Vic Metro: Hayes 3, Kerr 2, Venables, Lyons, Higgins, Daicos, Brown
Allies: Sproule 2, Brown, Hampton, Allison, Rolls, Perryman, Marshall
BEST
Vic Metro: Clarke, McGrath, Lyons, Hayes, Ridley, Bunker
Allies: Perryman, Bowes, Mutch, Scheer, Allison, Spargo
Earlier in the day, South Australia won the third and final of its four games in the championships to stay in the race for the title.
SA, which last Sunday lost to Vic Metro despite leading by 35 points at the last break, again was held goal-less in the final quarter but this time held on to defeat Vic Country by 11 points.
It must hope Victoria Metro loses to Western Australia in its final match next Wednesday while also relying on percentage to win the crown.
Ben Jarman, the son of Hawthorn and Adelaide premiership star Darren, booted three goals in the first half, displaying his smarts and a busy attitude in attack.
The small forward, who stands 175cm, is eligible to join either the Crows (qualifying as Adelaide's first ever father-son pick) or Hawthorn as a father-son selection.
Darren Jarman played 109 games for Hawthorn from 1991-1995, before moving to Adelaide where he managed 121 matches, starring in both the 1997 and 1998 premiership victories.
Jack Graham (25 disposals, nine clearances and seven tackles) continued his fine Championships, while Jonty Scharenberg – younger brother of Collingwood's Matt, also had 25 disposals and seven clearances.
Jake Pitman was typically tough through the middle of the ground with 22 disposals and 13 tackles, while Tyson Stengle exhibited his ability when given time and space.
Country gave up six goals to two in the opening quarter, with South Australia extending that margin to 35 points at the major break.
Hugh McCluggage, in contention as a top-five pick come the end of the season, was a clear standout for Country with 17 disposals and three goals, working tirelessly through the midfield.
McCluggage's ability to weave through traffic provided a bright spot for Country, while Ben Ainsworth, also in the mix as a high selection, gave his team plenty of energy through the midfield and up forward with 20 disposals and four inside 50s.
Ainsworth's bullet-like pass in the final term to set up a goal for Joe Atley, the younger brother of North Melbourne's Shaun, was a delight to watch.
Country booted five goals to nil in the last quarter to cut the final margin to 11 points at the end of the game, but their slow start ultimately proved costly.
VIC COUNTRY 2.0 3.5 4.10 9.11 (65)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA 6.0 9.4 11.8 11.10 (76)
GOALS
Vic Country: McCluggage 3, Ainsworth, Battle, Atley, Fowler, Battle, Worpel
South Australia: Jarman 3, Coleman-Jones, Pitman, Stengle, Ladhams, Villis, Hayward, Scharenberg, Lebois
BEST
Vic Country: McCluggage, Ainsworth, Worpel, Atley, Piper, Brodie
South Australia: Pitman, Graham, Scharenberg, Stengle, Villis, Jarman
