Vic Country under-16 raced out of the blocks to secure a 59-point win over the Laguntas at Punt Road Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Vic Country under-16 booted the first five goals of the annual hit-out, eventually running away with a 13.7-85 to 3.8-26 victory.
Murray product Hudson Garoni opened the scoring for the visitors, while Northern prospect Yemurriki Egan was the first to hit the scoreboard for the Laguntas.
Vic Country under-16 stormed ahead to a 25-point lead at the first break then wasted no time extending the margin in the second term.
The side restricted the Laguntas to one goal in the second quarter, while adding three to its score.
Accuracy was a highlight for Vic Country under-16 in the opening half, who held a 39-point lead at the main break.
The Matt Battistello coached country side kept the Laguntas goalless in the third term, while extending its leading margin to 56-points at three-quarter time.
The Laguntas, mentored by newly appointed coach Daniel Charles, lifted the intensity in the final term and applied relentless pressure on the visitors.
Eastern talent Leigh Pomponio slotted through the first goal of the quarter as his side hunted the ball and pushed their opposition.
However, it was too little too late as the towering Vic Country u16 line-up ran out 59-point victors.
Sandringham’s Jesse Firebrace, Murray’s David Smith and Ballarat’s Jamaine Jones were among the Laguntas best, while Shepparton duo Jordan Butts and Ajak Dang, Rochester’s Jacob Atley and Bendigo’s Jye Caldwell were strong for the winning side.
The Laguntas Program is a joint-initiative between Richmond’s centre for Indigenous youth, the Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI), and AFL Victoria.
The Laguntas side was packed with talented footballers aged between 14 and 17, who mostly hail from Victoria.
