The Victorian Football League was unable to topple the South Australian National Football League in the state representative game on Saturday.
With some of the best state-league players from around Australia on one ground, it was the travelling SANFL that led at the end of every quarter to claim a 22-point win: 18.10 (118) to 14.12 (96).
PICTURE GALLERY: VFL v SANFL
At Port Melbourne’s North Port Oval, things looked good for the VFL early after Julian Rowe kicked the game’s first goal.
However, the SANFL players weren’t about to let the home side get out to any big leads and Tim McIntyre responded with two goals of his own. The sides traded goals for the rest of the quarter, with South Australia hanging on to a five-point advantage.
The second term followed a similar narrative to the first, with SANFL hitting the scoreboard early, thanks to back-to-back goals from Michael Wundke, only to be reeled in late by the VFL.
The momentum swings continued as the teams controlled portions of the match. South Australia looked the likely winner with a 20-point lead late in the third, only for the VFL to launch a spirited fightback.
The home team booted six of the next seven goals to take an 11-point lead.
But the burst of outstanding play only spurred the SANFL to lift again, its players launching one final assault, kicking six of the last seven goals to seal the win.
Williamstown’s Adam Marcon was named best on ground for the Victorians.
Marcon was exceptional in the midfield and finished the game with 29 possessions. He was well supported by Footscray’s Nick Lower, who had 32 disposals, while Port Melbourne’s Chris Cain was also impressive.
VFL football resumes this week with Footscray taking on Frankston, while Werribee will travel to Williamstown for the local derby.
