Duursma stars as Country topple Metro in Vic showdown

Although it wasn’t the dramatic finish of last year, the match between Metro and Country on Sunday still offered plenty - with Country claiming bragging rights over Metro in the final game of the 2025 Marsh National Championships.

In a clash with the best talent across the state on display, Country booted the first few scores to control the game early and would go on to lead at every break en route to a 14.10 (94) to 9.10 (64) victory at RSEA Park.

Among the best on the day was Gippsland Power prodigy Willem Duursma. Playing across all three lines of the ground, he gathered 27 disposals and seven inside-50s to go along with a goal in what was a complete performance. Earning him Country’s MVP award.

Hugo Mikunda (22 disposals, two goals), Brodie Atkins (22 disposals, seven tackles), and Riley Onley (22 disposals) were all strong contributors in the engine room for Country while Talor Byrne made his mark with five majors from his 13 touches.

One of the top key defenders in this year’s draft class, Harry Dean, son of Carlton premiership player Peter, stood tall behind play - finishing the game with 22 disposals and eight marks.

Fellow Carlton father-son prospect Cody Walker also impressed, recording 24 disposals, seven marks and a goal in the front half.

On the Metro side, Sandringham midfielder Jack Dalton never stopped trying for his 27 disposals and ten tackles.

While Ollie Greeves (24 disposals), and Adam Sweid (24 disposals, six clearances) both worked hard in the middle.

St Kilda NGA prospect Kye Fincher was solid behind the ball with 20 touches as were Eastern defender Xavier Taylor (16 disposals, eight marks) and Carlton NGA product Jack Ison (17 disposals, seven marks).

Top five projected prospect Cooper Duff-Tytler also had his best outing of the champs, reminding recruiters of what he can do.

Both sides finished the carnival with two wins and two losses.

Greeves took home the Vic Metro MVP for his consistent four-game campaign.

All players now return to talent league level looking to continue improving their draft stock ahead of the national draft in November.