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Vic Metro's reality check at Subiaco
02 July 2007 Herald-Sun
Gareth Trickey
VICTORIA Metro got a sobering reality check in Saturday's 48-point loss to Western Australia at Subiaco, coach David Dickson said.
WA was superior in all areas of the game, but it was the home side's midfield that was the difference in the first game of the under-18 national championships.
Rhys Palmer and Luke Sampey dominated in the midfield to help WA win 15.16 (106) to 8.10 (58).
Dickson said the tall Metro squad lacked pace and skill in the midfield.
"In previous years we were criticised for recruiting small-bodied players," Dickson said.
"This year we picked a tall team and our midfield was just cleaned out."
Northern Knights ruckman Matthew Kreuzer and Dandenong centre half-forward Scott Simpson were the rare shining lights.
Adam Maric kicked three goals for Metro and Jack Grimes two.
Dickson praised Kreuzer's efforts.
"Matthew Kreuzer's heart is one of the biggest hearts I've ever seen of anyone I've ever coached," he said. "He is a fantastic young man and did everything he could to lift us."
A concussion for Adam Maric compounded the loss and Dickson said it was uncertain whether he would play against South Australia at Skilled Stadium on Friday.
