Leader News |
The Bendigo Football League whipping boy of the last two years celebrated for the second time in three weeks on Saturday, defeating Maryborough, 12.12 (84) to 6.10 (46).
Perhaps more importantly to this threatened club's revival, it was a triple-celebration at the Showgrounds, with the Tigers' reserves (for the first time in two years) and thirds also recording wins.
"It was a great day," coach Derrick Filo said.
"Obviously wins haven't been too commonplace, so to have three wins was a terrific day."
Former Carlton and Hawthorn player Daniel Harford suited up again for the Tigers, this time trekking down the Calder Highway to host an evening function, but first the 153-game AFL flanker had an assignment across the Tigers' attacking arc.
"He pushed on to the ball at times. He had some really terrific touches when it really counted," Filo said.
He and Thompson both jagged three majors for the day, but it was fledgling former Bendigo Pioneer Harrison Huntley, in defence, who shone brightest.
Filo's not about to start crowing about a Kyneton revival just yet, but believes the club's nagging "losing culture" is dying, and the tables are beginning to turn at Tiger Land.
"I think we are turning the corner.
"That doesn't mean we are going to go out and do something ridiculous like rolling the top teams," he said. "We've persevered for a while.
"It's really hard to break that losing culture but we are making big strides in that department. We've got five games to go.
"If we can keep the momentum we've got at the moment it gives us something to build on."
Gisborne is a game clear at the top of the ladder after thrashing Eaglehawk.
Darren Farrugia kicked four goals for the Dogs, while Clay Illman added three.
