FIVE goals from Oakleigh Chargers key forward Emma McDonald has taken Vic Metro to a 19-point win over the Allies.
In a high-scoring, see-sawing affair, McDonald's haul was key to the 10.10 (70) to 8.3 (51) win at Brighton Homes Arena, with Metro putting the foot down in the final quarter.
Metro midfielder Laura Stone (17 disposals, five marks) played out of position in defence and showed a very steady head, alongside skipper and Eastern Ranges teammate Ava Campbell (four rebounds) who was in a key position role.
Kayley Kavanagh led all-comers with 23 disposals and 11 clearances, the Calder Cannons top-ager the standout midfielder across all four quarters.
She was well supported by Oakleigh Chargers' bottom-ager Sarah Poustie (21, eight tackles), while the diminutive Ava Jordan's footy smarts were a class above across half-forward, finishing with 20 disposals and two goals.
Tasmanians dominated the top performers in the composite Allies team, with forward/midfielder and AFLW Academy member Georgia Clark (19 touches, one goal) worked her way into the match beautifully, providing a strong presence around the footy.
Midfielder Mackenzie Ford (17, three clearances) found plenty of the footy and showed a clean pair of heels, while bottom-age defender Mackenzie Williams (16, 10 rebounds) held firm.
Greater Western Sydney Academy defender Cleo Buttifant (13, five inside 50s) cut through the lines with ease, while fellow Giants Academy product Mel Staunton – who won the AFLW Academy's best-on-ground honours in its match a few weeks ago – did not play.
For the Northern Territorians, potential Richmond father-daughter Maria Rioli caught the eye in as a mid-sized forward, kicking a beautiful goal from a tight angle as well as hitting up Grace Whittaker with a clean entry, the latter kicking two goals.
ALLIES 2.0 5.0 6.1 8.3 (51)
VIC METRO 2.3 5.5 7.8 10.10 (70)
GOALS
Allies: Sophie Berry 2, Georgia Whittaker 2, Georgia Clark, Tunisha Kikoak, Maria Rioli, Ashley Patton
Vic Metro: Emma McDonald 5, Ava Jordan 2, Alyssia Pisano, Krystal Russell, Sarah Grunden
BEST
Allies: Georgia Clark, Mackenzie Ford, Cleo Buttifant, Mackenzie Williams, Tatyana Perry, Kendra Blattman
Vic Metro: Keeley Kavanagh, Emma McDonald, Sarah Poustie, Ava Jordan, Laura Stone, Zoe Hargreaves
