Bendigo Advertiser | GOLDEN Square coach Nick Carter said there were a lot of positive signs in the 64-point victory against Kyneton in Saturday's fifth round of the Bendigo Football League season.
The Bulldogs were in control for most of the contest on home turf at MyJet Oval.
Carter said Golden Square's workrate increased markedly.
"For the first time this season there were players heading to the bench for a rest because they were absolutely cooked.
"That was a really good sign."
Another stat the coach was rapt about was the tackling tally of 71.
"The target is 80 a game and we are getting there."
Golden Square also showed it still has plenty of versatility.
A defender for most of his time at the club, Jon Coe was given the task of opposing Tigers' gun onballer Alik Magin.
It was Magin who kicked the first goal of the match in the fifth minute.
Goals by Shaun Young and Lachlan Ryan put Square in front by the 10th minute before the Tigers replied through Jake Hyland.
A bone-jarring bump by Brayden Dorrington at half-forward forced a turnover from which Ryan Herring goaled for Square to lead 20-14 at quarter-time.
Kyneton worked hard defensively, but was often let down by wayward passes clearing off half-back or through the middle.
In the space of three minutes Square’s Che Walls, Clayton Anderson and Shaun Young were on target as the lead grew to 32 points.
The Tigers’ sole reply was after ruckman Joel Stevenson marked in the goalsquare.
Harry Donegan swooped on the loose ball at half-forward and kicked one of the goals of the day as the Bulldogs led by 32 points at half-time.
The relentless run rolled on as Tom Casey and Anderson (2) goaled before Weightman and Rhys Magin scored long-awaited goals for the yellow and black.
Square scored the next three goals before the Tigers opened the last term with majors from Weightman and Harrison Huntley.
The Dogs scored the last three goals of the game.
Carter said a young team was keen to learn.
"We went into the match knowing we had to nullify a couple of their classy onballers and midfielders.
"Jon Coe did a fantastic job. It was not just his defensive play, but also his ability to win the ball at stoppages that was important for us."
In just his second senior match, Lachlan Ryan starred on a wing, half-forward and half-back.
"His poise and clean ball use show he will be a great senior player for us."
Toma was superb against the dangerous Weightman.
A strong defence was led by Brayden Dorrington and Dale Young.
Shaun Young and Ryan Herring finished off or set up many chances for team-mates.
