BOTTOM-AGED key forward prospect Sam Hayes has booted three goals to steer Vic Metro to a 14-point victory over the Allies in Friday's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships at Etihad Stadium.
Hayes, a potential top-five selection in next year's draft, booted three goals from 13 disposals to ensure Vic Metro remains in the box seat to secure its 16th Division One Under-18 title.
Metro now just needs to beat Western Australia at Simonds Stadium next Wednesday in its final game of the carnival to take home the silverware.
Hayes, who stands at 200cm and can move exceptionally well for a big man, was an important target for Metro in its 10.14 (60) to 8.12 (74) win.
However, the work of Corey Lyons, younger brother of Adelaide's Jarryd, was equally impressive as he racked up 20 disposals and a goal.
Dylan Clarke, the younger brother of North Melbourne's Ryan, continued his stellar form in the Championships with another 26 touches and five clearances.
The result looked to be almost elementary as Metro kicked five goals to nil in the first term. But the Allies hit back with four goals to nil of their own in the second quarter to get back in touch.
The Allies, coached by Tadgh Kennelly, hit the lead halfway through the third term as Jack Bowes (20 disposals and seven inside 50s) and Harry Perryman (18) started to exert their influence.
• Read Harry Perryman's profile at the AFL draft pool
The match was in the balance even into the final term before Callum Brown, the son of Collingwood's Gavin, kicked a clever snap out of a pack to drag Metro over the line with only a few minutes left in the contest.
Andrew McGrath, whose draft stocks are rising considerably, had an excellent second half to finish with 24 disposals and six clearances as he spent time in the midfield.
Jordan Ridley, who took a spectacular pack mark in the second quarter, also impressed with 18 possessions and seven marks for Metro.
Greater Western Sydney academy member Charlie Spargo was lively up forward, while Jacob Allison also worked hard for the Allies with 14 touches and a goal.
VIC METRO 5.1 5.6 6.9 10.14 (74)
ALLIES 0.5 4.7 6.10 8.12 (60)
GOALS
Vic Metro: Hayes 3, Kerr 2, Venables, Lyons, Higgins, Daicos, Brown
Allies: Sproule 2, Brown, Hampton, Allison, Rolls, Perryman, Marshall
BEST
Vic Metro: Clarke, McGrath, Lyons, Hayes, Ridley, Bunker
Allies: Perryman, Bowes, Mutch, Scheer, Allison, Spargo
Want more?
• Listen to this week's Road to the Draft podcast
• NAB AFL Under-18s: 2016 fixture, teams, news and video
• The draft pool: Cal Twomey analyses this year's best prospects
