AS AFL clubs wonder whether Peter Wright is a ruckman or forward, the likely early draft pick showed he can be both in Vic Metro's 14-point win over South Australia on Saturday.
In his best game so far of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, the 203cm highly-rated prospect kicked three goals from 16 disposals, pulled in 10 marks and had 29-hit-outs in Metro's 13.8 (86) to 10.12 (72) win at AAMI Stadium.
Wright is among a handful of players vying to be the No.1 pick in this year's NAB AFL Draft, in one of the most open top-ends in recent years.
Although he held a significant height advantage over South Australia's 197cm ruckman Sam Durdin, Wright was able to impact the play around the ground and was dangerous when the ball was sent his way in the forward line.
At his feet was Ed Langdon, the younger brother of first-year Collingwood defender Tom, who kicked four goals in what was South Australia's first defeat of the carnival.
The 182cm Metro small forward finished with 13 disposals and roved packs, converted long shots and created other chances for his side in a busy display.
Others were just as important for Metro. Angus Brayshaw, back from being rested last game, had 25 disposals (11 contested, five clearances) to reaffirm his position as one of the top midfielders in the draft.
Christian Petracca was perhaps more effective, using his power and speed to push through the wings and send the ball long.
Following his 27 and 31-possession games over the past two weeks, Petracca collected 26 (including seven clearances and six inside 50s) against South Australia, proving he can influence games up the ground as much as close to goal.
Jordan De Goey also continued his attacking form. De Goey, who some clubs view as a top-15 pick, played mainly across half-back and helped set up the play.
The Oakleigh Charger is no-fuss: he cleans up in defence, gets through traffic and disposes of the ball with little trouble.
Metro set up an advantage in the first term and looked likely to run away with the game before South Australia was sparked by small forward Josh Hone.
Active and showing the ability to finish, Hone finished with three goals from 13 disposals.
Long-kicking left-footer Harrison Wigg was among South Australia's best, gathering 23 disposals.
Wigg is a compact and tidy player with a damaging kick, most evident in his set-shot goal from outside 50 in the second term.
Alex Neal-Bullen had 19 disposals (13 contested) through the midfield, and despite South Australia's surge in the final term, Metro held on for the impressive interstate win.
South Australia 1.2 4.8 5.10 10.12 (72)
Vic Metro 3.4 7.4 10.6 13.8 (86)
GOALS
South Australia: Hone 3, Hamilton, Neal-Bullen, Press, Read, Spurling, Tahana, Wigg
Vic Metro: Langdon 4, Payne 3, Wright 3, Brayshaw, Langford, Miller
BEST
South Australia: Wigg, Neal-Bullen, Hone, Johansen, Stretch, Gregson
Vic Metro: Wright, Petracca, Brayshaw, De Goey, Langdon, Viojo, Vickers-Willis, Ellis
