Country 10.14 (74) defeated the Croweaters 8.10 (58) to win its first title since 2000 and its fifth since 1989.
Country finished the championships equal on points with Vic Metro, who crushed Western Australia by 96 points earlier in the day. But Country claims the title for having defeated Metro in their head-to-head battle at Optus Oval on Wednesday.
Vic Metro’s win over WA meant South Australia was already ruled out of winning the Division One title before the ball had even been bounced.
That didn’t stop the Croweaters displaying plenty of pride and spirit throughout the course of the match, though their quest for victory in the final game wasn’t helped by the loss of likely No.1 draftee Adam Cooney, who injured a groin early in the game.
But it was the Country’s day in the final wash-up, as it trailed at every change, before recording a thrilling victory.
Country’s Kane Tenace (21 disposals and two goals), Ryley Dunn and Andrew Walker were all outstanding players and they capped off a fine tournament by winning All-Australian selection.
Walker also received the most valuable player for Country.
South Australian ball-winners David Kellett, Brad Symes and Josh Willoughby were among its best players again and they too were fittingly rewarded with All-Australian selection. Symes was also awarded the most valuable South Australian player.
Despite the match being a dead-rubber from South Australia’s point-of-view, the Croweaters gave it their all in the opening term, posting five goals to two to lead by 14 points at quarter-time.
Vic Country bounced back in the second term, booting three goals to one, but seven behinds in the first-half saw South Australia take a two-point lead into the half-time break.
A brilliant snap-shot goal from William Richardson and a hanger from Walker were two of the highlights for the quarter.
South Australia held onto its two-point lead at three quarter-time, after both sides booted two goals each to set up a thrilling finale.
And although the final term was, for the majority of it, an arm wrestle, Country booted three goals to zip – including two late in the quarter – to claim the championship.
Meanwhile, Western Australia’s Kepler Bradley won the Larke Medal for the best player of the championships from division one, while teammate Farren Ray won the state’s most valuable player award.
Vic Metro’s Luke Herrington – who booted 17 goals in the carnival – was also named his side’s most valuable player.
VICTORIA COUNTRY: 2.5 5.7 7.11 10.14 (74)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA: 5.1 6.3 8.7 8.10 (58)
GOALS: Victoria Country: Chaplin 2, Richardson 2, Tenace 2, Cosgriff, Foley, Proctor, Sylvia
South Australia: Schmidt 2, Block, S.Butler, Challen, Commane, Waters, Willoughby
BEST: Victoria Country: Walker, Dunn, Tenace, Sylvia, Mundy
South Australia: S.Butler, Jordan, Kellett, Symes, Brackenridge, Grundy, Willoughby, Nash
At Optus Oval
