IN the words of respected long-time AFL national talent manager Kevin Sheehan, it was a kick away from being the greatest upset in the history of the AFL under-18 national championships.

Queensland coach Guy McKenna made no secret of the fact he had been waiting for his side's clash against Vic Metro at this year's championships.
He put his best possible side on the field and had them well and truly primed. They didn't disappoint, pushing Melbourne's cream of the crop to the brink before being edged out 8-7 (55) to 7-7 (49) on Saturday.

Played at Casey Fields in Melbourne, Queensland kicked the first two goals of the final term through Rory Thompson and Matt Fowler to get back within two points.

In a tense final stanza, scores were level with 40 seconds remaining before Vic Metro forward Sam Ezard marked and goaled to bail the Melbourne boys out of jail.

There were many Maroon contributors with talls Fowler (two goals), Thompson (two goals), Charlie Dixon and Zac Smith starring. Midfielder Josh Thomas, Joseph Daye, skipper Marc Lock, Todd Grayson and defenders Jake Crawford and Mitch Harley also shone.

While defeated, the Queenslanders -- made up of the Gold Coast Football Club -- left with their heads held high after making a huge statement.
A Queensland under-18 pushing a Vic Metro side all the way is unheard of. The result surprised many, including Sheehan.

"That would have been probably the biggest upset in the history of national youth championships for Queensland to beat Vic Metro, who have been the benchmark for a long time," said Sheehan.

"Guy McKenna coached very smartly.

"He closed them down and stopped their run and carry."

McKenna said he was thrilled with the performance of his young side.

"As I said to the boys it was probably going to be our grand final," he said. "Vic Metro was the best competition we were going to play. To be level with a minute-and-a-half to go and to go down by six points was a terrific effort."

By Nick Smart, courtesy of the Gold Coast Bulletin