The South Australians did everything in their power to heap pressure on Vic Metro, who needed to beat Western Australia in the final game to lock up the title.
But Metro took care of business to triumph as overall winners in division one.
South Australia held a slim four-point half-time lead in an enthralling battle against Vic Country, before its classy players did just enough to carry their side to a 13.4 (82) to 10.9 (69) victory.
South Australian midfielder Ben Kennedy was a bundle of energy through the midfield and up forward, collecting an impressive 26 disposals, eight inside 50s and two goals.
Possible top five draft pick Jimmy Toumpas won the ball inside and outside the contest to finish with 26 touches and 15 handball receives.
Ruckman Brodie Grundy was a dominant force in the middle, chalking up 20 hit-outs and then showed an ability to push forward to kick three goals.
Matthew McDonough was also dangerous with his three goals for the Croweaters.
Vic Country kept pace with South Australia in the first half as it tried to limit the prolific outside run of its opponents.
Likely No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield gathered 26 disposals, two goals and 10 inside 50s.
Key forward Tim Membrey booted four goals for Country and showed he could hold his strength in marking contests, as Lewis Taylor (21 touches) became the benefactor on loose scraps in the forward line.
The Croweaters’ running players negated Country’s close down tactics in the second half, as defender Sam Colquhoun (24 touches and 13 handball receives) ran riot.
This enabled them to set up their favoured open style, as they set up their chain of runners through the middle which became a strong element in their eventual win.
VIC COUNTRY 4.2 6.4 8.8 10.9 (69)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2.2 7.2 10.4 13.4 (82)
GOALS
Vic Country: Membrey 4, Taylor 2, Whitfield 2, Hams, Wines
South Australia: Grundy 3, McDonough 3, Kennedy 2, O’Brien 2, Johnson, Mayes, Stark
BEST
Vic Country: Taylor, Wright, Membrey, Wines, Whitfield, Stringer
South Australia: Montgomery, Grundy, Kennedy, Colquhoun, Scharenberg, Mayes
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
