THE NAB AFL Under-18 Championships are set for a thrilling finale at Etihad Stadium next Wednesday with three teams still in with a chance to win the Division One title after the completion of round four.
Vic Metro is in the box seat after defeating South Australia by 26 points at Skilled Stadium to remain unbeaten, but Vic Country and South Australia can still win it if results go their way.
The Country lads kept themselves in the running to defend their 2010 title with a comprehensive 49-point win against Western Australia.
Vic Metro will play Vic Country in the first game of the final round, with South Australia to take on Western Australia in the second game of the double-header to be broadcast on Fox Sports.
Jonathon Patton firmed as the likely first pick overall at the 2011 NAB AFL Draft with five goals for Metro. The imposing 197cm forward took eight marks with five of those contested in his best-on-ground display.
South Australia's cause wasn't helped with the early loss of skipper Chad Wingard. The prolific ball winner left the field dazed after a heavy bump shortly before quarter-time and did not return.
Nick Amato (20 disposals) and Lachie Neale (18) worked hard in Wingard's absence to be named among their team's best players.
Vic Country coach Robert Hyde was delighted with the way his team was able to finish strongly against Western Australia after a second-half fadeout saw it defeated by SA in the third round.
Sam Docherty played his first game of the championships on Friday and impressed with 21 possessions, as did midfield teammates Clay Smith and Coleman Schache.
Highly-touted onballer Brad Crouch is in some doubt for Wednesday's match after leaving the game with an ankle injury in the first quarter.
Shane Nelson led the way for Western Australia with 35 touches, but classy youngsters Jaeger O'Meara and Stephen Coniglio were unable to have their usual influence.
