The Vics led all day and eventually settled for a 50-point win over the Croweaters, 11.16 (82) to 4.8 (32).

The match was supposed to be played at the MCG as a curtain raiser to the AFL Grand Final, but the decision was made on Friday to move the game to Visy Park to preserve the MCG surface with the poor weather.

Kerridge, who has developed into a valuable player for Mildura this year, had a quiet day on Saturday, but played his role in the win as the Vics proved too strong for South Australia all over the ground.

Victoria Country were already champions of the National Under 16 carnival earlier this year, winning all three of their games in Canberra in July.

On Saturday, Devon Smith picked up 25 possessions to be among the best players while Rory Taggart and Wil Pomorin kicked two goals each for the winners.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Monday’s Sunraysia Daily, 28/9/09.