Gippsland Times |
Sale City began life under new coach Hayden Burgiel with a six-point victory at home.
Trailing for the majority of the contest, a new look Gormandale proved a handful for the Bulldogs in the round one North Gippsland football match.
With the signature still wet on Jake Schuback's contract, the Bulldogs unfurled another star recruit ahead of the contest.
The home side found itself in a tight contest with the Tigers hitting the front in the first quarter.
It was the Tigers' recruits Josh Sandy, Luke McLean and David Schulberg who made their mark early, proving a challenge for their highly fancied opponents.
The young pups found some bark in the second term to turn a four-point deficit into a 14-point lead.
The Bulldogs did all they could to hold the visitors at bay, but as they had done at will throughout the contest, the Tigers again came at the home side to reel the margin back to nine points at the end of the third term. The final margin would be one straight kick in what was an enthralling battle, 12.13 (85) to 11.13 (79).
New boys send message
THE league's newest team, Yarram, sent a message to the rest of the competition with a dominant performance against Traralgon-Tyers United.
The Demons slammed home six majors in a frantic opening term before registering a further five to leave the Bombers wanting at the long change, 11.6 (72) to 4.4 (28).
Unknown prospects to many, the Demons have the competition on notice with coach Griff Underwood and his brother Ryan leading from the front in an impressive performance.
With their backs up against the wall, adding a mere two behinds in the third term, the Bombers, led by recruit Matt Gibb and captain Luke Middleton, lifted. The visitors dominated the final term, slamming home eight goals to two to draw within 16 points at the siren, 15.8 (98) to 12.10 (82).
The home team boasted 10 goal kickers with Corbin Sutherland finishing with three, the same as TTU's Tyler Mustoe.
New Cats star
THE new breed of Wildcats stared in Woodside's win over Boisdale-Briagolong, but it was far from one-way traffic.
The opening term belonged to the Wildcats, who led by 31 points at the first break.
But, led by Josh Tait (three goals) and James Cook (three), the Bombers turned the tables with an eight-goal to one season term to by 12 points at half-time.
In the second half, the visitors, through Justin Staley, Tom Love and Shannon Winmar, caused havoc with a barrage of goals. The Wildcats piled on 10 majors for the second half to cruise home 31-point victors, 17.10 (112) to 13.3 (81).
Staley, Love and Winmar provided headaches for the Bombers defence kicking 10 majors between them, while Matt Scholz and Matt Griffin were solid contributors.
Cook was a stand-out for the Bombers, recruit Matt Lee made an impact, while Regan Tait stood tall.
Blues beat Cougars
ROSEDALE laid the foundation for its 23.12 (150) to 13.10 (88) win over Churchill with a six-goal to two third quarter.
The match was evenly placed at half-time with the Blues leading by 11 points.
Following a strong third term, the visitors then led by 38 points.
The Blues added a further eight goals in a stellar final term.
Blues powerhouse forward Andrew Flanagan was the main figure in front of goals, setting the impetus for victory with an individual haul of eight majors, with Brandon McDonald chipping in with five.
Brad Scott was a valuable contributor for Rosedale, Dale Fleming worked tirelessly around the ground in his first game back at the club, while the presence of pacey tall Gerard Barnes also benefited Rosedale.
Joey Whykes was the home side's best player.
COWWARR had the bye.
