A FORTNIGHT ago in Sydney, Victoria Country was on the receiving end when their underrated opponent New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory rose to the challenge and inflicted an unlikely defeat (and a sizeable dent) on the more fancied Victorians.

The loss was another blow to Vic Country after its narrow defeat by Vic Metro, but a debrief by coach Robert Hyde and his off-field crew saw a sharply-focused, revitalised and committed group turn up at Subiaco on Saturday, determined to restore their battered reputations against the undefeated Western Australia.

This of course was the venue where Western Australia smashed Vic Metro last year, starting a five-match winning streak at this level for the Sandgropers.

Yet the Vic Country team responded in emphatic fashion, leading by 45 points at half-time, before withstanding a spirited Western Australian comeback to win by 27 points.

On Sunday, at the wonderful and picturesque Adelaide Oval, Vic Metro continued its winning run with a convincing victory over South Adelaide to head the top of the division one table, after three rounds.

So far we have seen matches played in five states, with teams learning enormously about the challenges at this level. For the rest of the series, we will see individual performances lift, strategies put in place to minimise the impact of in-form opposition players and teams playing with great pride and passion in representing their states.

The final two rounds of the competition will be held at Casey Fields (Saturday, July 5) and Telstra Dome (Wednesday, July 9) and those matches have much to live up to, such has been the great competition so far.

The following a run down of players who have caught the eye and ones to watch out for at Casey Fields and Telstra Dome …

Tasmania
Mitch Robinson – Robinson has continued the form that saw him win the Hunter Harrison Medal as division two's best-and-fairest in the qualifying series. He has great ball-winning ability (averaging 19 disposals), is a penetrating kick and is evasive to boot. The youngster from Lauderdale has been a shining light for the Mariners.

Jesse Crichton – A 183cm midfielder from North Launceston, Crichton leads the competition in handballs (35 at an average of 12 per match). He possesses pin-point accuracy with his disposals and is a smooth-gatherer.

South Australia
Rhys O'Keeffe – A dashing medium-defender at 187cm, O'Keeffe, from North Adelaide, has also been prominent for his team in all three matches. Averaging 17 disposals, with four hard-ball gets, along with nine handball receives, indicates his ability to win the ball in contested situations, as well as provide great run through defence.

Lewis Johnston – Bottom-aged tall forward, Johnston (192cm), is also from North Adelaide and he shows great promise. He leads the competition in contested marking. His 10 markes up forward against WA in a beaten side was impressive along with 4 goals in game 1 from limited opportunities.

Victoria Country
Steele Sidebottom – Vic Country would be pleased with the output from Sidebottom, which has been supported by Champion Data statistics. He is rated fourth overall in disposals (55 at an average of 18.3) and first for contested possessions (29 at an average of 9.8). He is also ranked third in clearances (15 at an average of five).

Tom Rockliff – A medium forward from the Murray Bushrangers, Rockliff has won a total of 26 contested possessions and 13 hard-ball gets. He has also taken eight contested marks and seven goals, to be third on the goalkicking table, which has been outstanding. He has also laid 12 tackles (ranked fourth overall), showing he is prepared to keep the ball inside the forward 50 for his team.

Jack Ziebell - Medium defender / midfielder who has exceptional capacity to win the contested football and make great decisions with it and under pressure. Missed game 1 due to injury but was Vic Country's most influential player in games 2 & 3. Strong overhead and powerful on the burst, he hits his targets with hand and foot.

New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory 
Kade Klemke – The medium defender has been among NSW/ACT's most consistent performers. He is ranked fifth in disposals (55 at an average of 18.3) and is second in uncontested marks (17). Klemke has shown an ability to read the play across half-back and judges the ball well when in flight, showing great courage in the air.

Ranga Ediriwickrama – His first two games were outstanding, averaging 25 disposals, before a hamstring injury early against Tasmania set him and his team back. His has won 28 contested possessions from nine quarters, which still ranks him second overall. It demonstrates his courage and his attack on the ball. He is a one-touch player and a great reader of play.

Western Australia
Matt De Boer – A medium-sized midfielder, De Boer has been very good for his team, with his strong attack on the ball and run. This has been supported statistically, with 69 disposals in total (averaging 23 per match) which ranks him No.1. He has also taken 20 (average of 6.9) marks, ranking him first in the competition. De Boer has also 17 inside 50s, which is also number one in the competition.

Nick Naitanui – The ruckman leads the hit-outs with 51 (including 10 to advantage, which is ranked No.2). Naitanui is also ranked second in both clearances (16) and tackles (15) – statistics ruckmen are not usually prominent in. It also reflects his competitiveness and natural speed.

Victoria Metropolitan
Jack Watts – A key position player, Watts has shone up forward, taking 16 marks and booting 11 goals. He also has demonstrated his team orientation on a number of occasions highlighted by an exceptional assist in short passing (with great vision and skill) to teammate Tom Scully to seal the match against SA. With 5 goals already on the board that game others may have been tempted to look for a 6th.

Jordan Lisle – The tall defender has taken 13 marks and impressed down back. He is also capable of playing key forward and at 196cm has the height and natural athleticism already to complement his clean hands to play a variety of roles. Father Mark played in the ruck for North Melbourne does not qualify for father/son.

Shaun McKernan – He has been prominent in the ruck with 38 hit outs and 16 marks. Unbelievably like his older brother Corey both in looks and movements at the same age. Has a wonderful leap, good feel for the game, courage and versatility. At 196cm can play forward/back or in the ruck.

David Zaharakis – A medium-midfielder, Zaharakis finds space and uses the ball well, winning 25 effective kicks (ranked fourth) and averaging five inside 50s. Has good breakaway speed allowing him to run the lines. At 180cm and 73kg will develop physically and has shown real sharpness around the goals.