VICTORIA Metropolitan has pulled off a stunning three-point victory over arch-rival Victoria Country in the opening match of the first round of the NAB AFL under 18 championships.

Metro 12.4 (76) defeated Country 11.7 (73) in the curtain-raiser to the Melbourne and Hawthorn clash at the MCG, after Jack Watts, who booted four goals, kicked the match-winner just before the final siren sounded.

Yet at the 17-minute mark of the last quarter (all terms are 20 minutes with no time-on), Vic Country looked set to overcome the city slickers, having trailed at every other change, when Tom Rockliff jagged his fourth for the match.

It was fitting Watts and Rockliff stood up for their respective sides in the latter stages, as they were super for their respective side's best. Watts also finished with eight marks, including four contested, as Rockliff finished with a game-high 11 contested possessions.

Vic Country's Nick Suban, an under-18 All-Australian last year, had 25 disposals - the most for the match - and was also superb. Teammate Nic Heyne, who took a cracking one-handed 'speccy' up forward in the final term, finished with 19 touches and two goals.

Shaun McKernan, the younger brother of dual North Melbourne premiership player Corey, impressed for Vic Metro with 11 disposals and 13 hit outs. And Michael Hurley, an under-18 All-Australian defender last year, continued to impress down back.

Vic Country      2.2       4.3       8.5       11.7 (73)
Vic Metro        4.0       7.1       9.3       12.4 (76)

GOALS
Vic Country: Rockliff 4, Young 3, Heyne 2, Christensen, Suban
Vic Metro: Watts 4, McKernan 2, Banner, Lisle, Martin, McGarry, Purves, Shuey,

BEST
Vic Country: Rockliff, Suban, Heyne, Hooper, Young, Sidebottom
Vic Metro: Watts, Zaharakis, Hurley, McKernan, Lisle, Gotch

Round one (match one) played at MCG