A STAR performance by Jasmine Fleming – daughter of former Australian cricketer Damien – has catapulted Vic Metro to a commanding 53-point win over Vic Country in the NAB AFLW Under-18 Championships.
Fleming's neat skills, strong running and agility was on show in her game-high 25 disposals, five clearances and five inside 50s, and she has been a standout for Oakleigh Chargers in her NAB League season this year.
Metro's midfielders – including Sofia Hurley (24, five clearances), Montana Ham (19) and Charlotte Baskaran (13 and 13 tackles) – helped dictate play and left Country scoreless until the third term.
Caitlin Sargent was strong overhead, while fellow forward Zoe Barbakos held sway at ground level, with the two Metro spearheads kicking three goals apiece.
Powerful Country key forward Paige Scott brought the crowd at Mars Stadium (Ballarat) to its feet with an almost-speckie, and was the one to break the team's drought in the third.
Teammates Mackenzie Eardley and Molly Walton battled hard in an under-the-pump defence, while Charley Ryan (14 disposals, three clearances) was her side's best in the midfield.
Country's Keeley Skepper finished with a game-high six rebound 50s to go with her 18 touches.
VIC COUNTRY 0.0 0.0 2.2 3.3 (21)
VIC METRO 3.3 8.5 11.6 11.8 (74)
GOALS
Vic Country: Scott, Lyne, Mailer
Vic Metro: Sargent 3, Barbakos 3, Smith 2, Fleming, Ham, Hipwell
BEST
Vic Country: Gatt, Ryan, Hay, Dowling, Williams, Everist
Vic Metro: Fleming, Sargent, Hurley, Barbakos, Wilcox, Ham