Football
22 April, 2024
Tigers shock Panthers to remain unbeaten
In what is a terrific start under new coach Guy Smith, Pimpinio has started the season with two wins thanks to a dominant 35-point win over Rupanyup at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve.
The Tigers stunned the Panthers early to take a 14-point lead into quarter time extending that to 37 at halftime. From there the Tigers ran out the game winning 14.10.94 to 9.5.59.
Nick Groves kicked a game-high four goals for the Tigers with Jason Westley kicking three and for the Panthers, it was Brayden Ison leading the way with three goals.
Westley was best on the ground with Matthew Rosier and Dylan Bates solid again for the Tigers whilst Bill Hansen and Cam Weston were among the better players for the Panthers.
Tigers coach Guy Smith said everything is working well.
"Obviously we have to take it one week at a time but the structure is working well and the players are responding well and start to see our game plan working and are embracing it and it's giving them a lot of confidence," Smith said.
"We earmarked that we needed to defeat Rupanyup as we haven't beaten them for a long time and we did that and it was a good result."
Smith highlighted Jason Westley, Dylan Bates and Matthew Rosier's performances.
"Jason was really good. He played in the midfield and swapped up forward and took opportunities that came to him," Smith said.
"Dylan is so explosive and makes a big impact. He doesn't play a lot of minutes in the midfield but when he is there he can impact the game.
"Matty was fantastic. He is a solid footballer and very smart with ball in hand. He kept us in control. When we thought we were losing grip and direction he stood up and got things back in control."
Brock Hamerston, Noah Jacobsen and Keegan King were also brilliant for the Tigers.
Taylors Lake unbeaten after round two
Taylors Lake defeated Natimuk by one point in a thriller at Natimuk Showgrounds to start the season 2-0, the first time they have achieved that feat since 2015, which was the last time they made finals.
In what was a climatic end to the match, the final scores had to be checked before giving the final result which was confirmed to be the Lakers.
Six goals were kicked in the first quarter as Natimuk took a four-point lead into quarter time. The Rams were inaccurate in the second quarter, kicking one goal five as the Lakers added two goals four to take a one-point lead into the main break.
The Lakers showed their grit in the third quarter, kicking two goals to take a seven- point lead into the last break.
The Rams fought back in the last and came home with a wet sail, kicking three goals to two, but it wasn't enough as the Lakers held on to win 9.9.63 to 8.14.62.
Justin Beugalaar led the way for the Lakers with six goals whilst Natimuk's Lachlan Harris also joined him with six as the Lakers ran out 9.9.63 to 8.14.62 victors.
Max Kamstra and Bray Cullinan were solid for the Lakers.
For the Rams, Matt Bellinger, Zachary Smith and Jonathan Lovel were also solid.
Swifts put up triple figures in two consecutive weeks
The Swifts kicked 23 goals as they downed Kaniva Leeor by 122 points at North Park on Saturday.
Paul Summers kicked another eight goals to add to his tally of 11 in round one with Chris Freeman and Zac Armer also chipping in with five and four goals respectively in the 23.17.155 to 5.3.33 victory.
Hamish Bennett, Billy King and Joel Wagg were solid for the Cougars.
The Swifts after kicking 22 goals in week one, the only team to hit triple figures, are showing why they are one of the main contenders this year and coach Brett Hargreaves is impressed.
"I can't ask for a much better start. I can't remember us having a good start as this. It's pretty pleasing," Hargreaves said.
"Our game plan has been good and our brand of footy is working, we just need to find more consistency."
Hargreaves said consistency is the key for them as he wants to play a full four- quarter effort each week.
"After a fast start, I thought the second quarter let us down badly. After a fast start, a lot of teams usually take their foot off the pedal and that's what we were doing and we don't want to do that. We want to play a consistent four quarters."
"It's a mental thing and we have a new team that hasn't played together with some players playing in new positions so it will take time to gel and the group will mature."
Hargreaves said Armer was brilliant.
"Zac Armer was best on the ground by a mile. He played on a wing and his running capacity is incredible," Hargreaves said.
"He ran all over the ground, got a lot of possessions and kicked four goals. It was an impressive game.
"Chris Freeman was dominant up forward and through the midfield and Paul Summers just doesn't miss. He has a good set of hands and is an old school full forward with a strong contested mark."
Bombers bounce back
Following a first-round loss to Harrow Balmoral, Noradjuha Quantong bounced back in impressive style to defeat Edenhope Apsley by 62 points.
Recruit Judah Hobbs kicked a game-high four goals for the Demons with Dawson Cross and Ash Lawson chipping in with three and two respectively.
For the Saints, Boyd Packer and Brock Summerhayes were their goal kickers with two and one respectively with Jeremy Kealy and Shayne Williams among their best players.
Jayden Besford was best on the ground for the Bombers with Jack Vague also strong in the ruck.