Wimmera-Mail Times | NORTH CENTRAL Football League’s interleague side overcame a sluggish start and a 28-point deficit midway through the second term to over-run Geelong and District Football League on Saturday.
Geelong District led by 10 points at quarter-time and slammed on the first three goals of the second, threatening to run away with the contest.
But North Central eventually clicked, ensuring the sides went into half-time locked together on the scoreboard.
North Central coach Mark Lloyd said there were some nervous moments in the second term.
‘‘We got off to a really slow start and then they got 28 points up 10 minutes into the second quarter,’’ he said.
‘‘It was looking a little bit worrying.
‘‘But we clicked into gear and started using the ball and sharing the ball well.
‘‘The group showed great resilience and character to turn it around.’’
That impressive brand of football carried into the second half, as North Central kicked eight goals to three after the main interval to run out 14.14 (98) to 10.6 (66) winners.
Joseph McGrath kicked four goals and Daniel Castellano three in the second-half romp.
Lloyd said the size of the ground suited his side’s brand of football.
‘‘It was a really big ground and the majority of NCFL grounds are quite big, so that was a big advantage for us, I think,’’ he said.
‘‘We really wanted to open the game up as much as we could and get it out to our runners and switch it wide and share it through the midfield.
‘‘We had contributors all day and we didn’t have anyone who played a bad game, which was super.
‘‘Luke Fisher got the best-on-ground medal for us and he played a great game through the midfield.’’
Dale Hinkley, Luke Hammond and Sam O’Loughlin were all important for North Central.
Jordan Hargreaves was also influential in the ruck.
Lloyd said despite not converting its opportunities early in the match, he was pleased with his side’s endeavour.
‘‘Our work rate and our tackle pressure never stopped all day and I think that’s why we got the win,’’ he said.
Lloyd said the players were in the team for the right reasons and it translated to a winning performance.
‘‘It was really pleasing to get the win.’’
