Country 14.6 (90) defeated Metro 11.8 (74) to gain some revenge from last year's shattering loss, when eventual No.1 draftee and now Melbourne forward Jack Watts kicked four goals including the match-winner for the city slickers.
Vic Country led at every change, with accurate goalkicking helping keep Metro in contention at three quarter-time. Ten goals were on the scoreboard before Anthony Moore, the younger brother of Richmond's Kelvin, missed a snap early in the second term.
Although his side went down, potential No.1 draftee Tom Scully got better as the match went on, winning a game-high 33 disposals.
And possible No.2 pick John Butcher finished with three goals for Vic Country. The 197cm key forward booted two majors in the first quarter and snapped a beauty under pressure in the final term, effectively sealing Country's win.
Another Country star forward Alex Keath, who is likely to be one of the dozen 17-year-olds chosen by Gold Coast later this year, was impressive early with two first-quarter goals, although he was quieter after the opening break.
Country's Gary Rohan also showed some good signs. Although his spectacular leap and mark on the wing in the second quarter was one of the highlights of the match, his hard-at-it play was just as eye-catching.
Allen Christensen, the son of Damien – who played 17 matches for Geelong in the 1980s – had 15 touches by the main break, finishing with 22.
Tenacious ball-winners Andrew Hooper (26 disposals, nine rebounds and four contested marks) and Dustin Martin (19 touches and nine inside 50s) were also important for Country.
Others of note for Vic Metro included Josh Toy, winner of this year's Ben Mitchell Medal – an award given to an AIS/AFL academy member for standout qualities. Toy finished with 25 disposals and is another likely bound for the Gold Coast.
Vic Country 6.0 10.3 12.3 14.6 (90)
Vic Metro 3.0 6.2 9.3 11.8 (74)
GOALS
Vic Country: Butcher 3, Cunnington 3, Keath 2, Lehman 2, Christensen, Martin, Page, Priest
Vic Metro: Carlisle 2, Fitzpatrick 2, Hoegel 2, Moore 2, Hicks, McKenzie, Scott
BEST
Vic Country: Hooper, Martin, Ko.Stevens, Cunnington, Christensen, Butcher, Vardy
Vic Metro: Scully, Toy, Gaff, Shaw, Hoegel, Melksham
Match four played at Skilled Stadium, Geelong
