The Smithy’s VFL State Team went down to a 14-point defeat to the SANFL in its return to representative football for the first time since 2017.
In a tough-fought contest, the VFL was left to rue missed opportunities in front of goal as it fell to a 7.9 (51) to 10.5 (65) defeat in front of a strong crowd at Glenelg’s Stratarama Stadium during the AFL Gather Round.
The VFL controlled the first term and led by 13 points at the first change on the back of goals to Ned Long, Trent Bianco and Rourke Smith. The latter converting from a huge mark at the top of the goal square in one of the game’s major highlights.
The quarter-time buffer could have been much greater but for the outstanding work of the home side’s defensive unit, with the VFL having 29 more disposals and six more inside-50s in the opening term.
The SANFL wrested back momentum in the second term and took the lead with the opening four goals of the quarter, led by the outstanding Lachie Hosie up forward and Jez McLennan and Harry Grant in the middle of the ground.
Two late majors from Southport Sharks big men Brayden Crossley and Hugh Dixon gave the VFL a two-point buffer at the main break.
In warm conditions, the home side broke the game open with a dominant third term, where they piled on three goals into the breeze and restricted the VFL to just one behind to turn from home 17 points ahead.
The VFL refused to yield and worked their way back into the contest through an early goal to Ned Long, before spurning several other golden opportunities that could have closed the deficit within a kick.
A classy checkside goal from the boundary against the run of play to Lachlan Hosie (four goals) sealed the deal for the SANFL, who managed to keep the VFL at bay for the remainder of the game despite the best efforts of the visitors.
Box Hill Hawks’ utility Callum Brown was prolific for the VFL and finished with a game-high 28 disposals to claim the Frank Johnson Medal as the VFL’s best player.
Boyd Woodcock was prominent throughout the day and finished with 27 disposals before capping his performance with the final goal of the match.
Ben Jepson produced a strong defensive performance, while George Grey and skipper Dom Brew never threw in the towel. Sam Lowson was the VFL’s most dangerous forward despite not finishing with a major.
Final score: SANFL 10.5 (65) def VFL 7.9 (51)
Disposals: Callum Brown 28, Boyd Woodcock 27, Kye Declase 20, Tom Highmore 20, Ben Jepson 19
Goals: Ned Long 2, Trent Bianco, Brayden Crossley, Hugh Dixon, Roarke Smith, Boyd Woodcock
Frank Johnson Medal: Callum Brown
