Stirring performances from Western Australia's Indigenous stars helped produce a cracking contest in WA's State of Origin clash with Victoria on Saturday.
The Victorians went into the game as warm favourites but WA shot out of the blocks with the first two goals.
The Big V reined in the hosts, using the ball with more precision while WA rued lost opportunities with a few clangers in the first half allowing Victoria to open up a 20-point lead at the main break.
Victoria pulled away to a 29-point lead before WA rallied, drawing within six points early in the last quarter before the visitors steadied and won 125-101 in front of a crowd of over 58,000.
Shai Bolton was busy for WA with 24 touches and a goal. Charlie Cameron kicked three goals from 15 possessions and veteran Bradley Hill worked hard all night for 26 touches and a goal.
Kysaiah Pickett's hard running and forward defensive pressure was a highlight and he finished with 15 touches. Callum Ah Chee impressed early with five marks and eight touches but went off with hamstring trouble.
Lawson Humphries erupted in the final quarter as WA looked like charging home, finishing with 23 touches and eight marks in defence and, later in the game, the midfield.
The Victorians had too much polish in the end, as turnovers cost WA vital chances when their momentum was up.
Marcus Bontempelli, Zak Butters, Max Holmes, Nick Daicos, Bailey Smith, and Caleb Serong racked up 162 possessions between them for the visitors. Veteran Patrick Dangerfield landed two goals from outside 50 and Ben King was a useful target, especially early, finishing with four goals.
EJ Whitten medallist Lachie Ash had 25 touches and seven marks in defence, ably supported by Tom Stewart with 22 possessions.
Jesse Hogan kicked five goals straight to take home the Graham Moss medal as best afield for Western Australia.
