Moama made a statement in its 27-point defeat of Cobram at home on Saturday.

The Magpies outplayed their previously undefeated opponents to secure their fourth win on the trot and, more importantly, announced to the league they are a team to be reckoned with in the 20.9 (129) to 15.12 (102) result.

Save for two patches of play at the end of the second and fourth quarters, the home side either matched or held sway throughout the contest with its intense pressure and efficient disposal — especially by foot — the key differences between the teams.

Moama vice-captain Daniel Thorp has been among the best every week and his influence was on show again with a terrific performance through the middle, combining a desire for the ball with poise and accurate use of it.

His disposal was matched by Taylor Beard, who was a great source of run throughout the day, while Tyler Jones had an impact when thrown on the ball in the last quarter to go with his six goals.

Brandt Gladman and Jake Kilmartin were also influential with four goals apiece and, at the other end, David Ismail and Chris Boxtel were impressive in defence.

Ruckmen Paul Nevill and Michael Sage were strong and gave their players first use of the ball often, with Josh Maddox smooth in the middle.

Cobram’s Tom Thorsen was, if not the best, then the most prolific player on the day as he constantly presented himself.

The midfielder’s performance was capped off with three set shot goals from 50m in the last quarter and without him, the margin would have been closer to 10 goals.

John Lucas made the most of his chances up forward to kick six majors, while Brennan Mills was a constant spark for the team.

The other Cobram players struggled to influence the contest and were prone to fits of frustration, often grappling with the opposition.

On what was a sunny day with a slight breeze favouring Moama, it was the home side who started the game almost as hot as the fluorescent pink ball used to celebrate Pink Footy and Netball Day.

In-form forward Jones was the beneficiary early, converting a set shot from near 50m.

The pink ball was then replaced by the regular red Sherrin, but it made no difference to Jones as he pounced again and again, to kick the first four goals of the game.

During this time both teams had lost a man, with Cobram’s Jake Hoolahan hobbling off with a knee injury, while Moama’s Ben Welch (knee) was also forced from the field.

The Tigers, forced to drop an extra man into defence, were also suffering from the frenetic opening and intense pressure by the home side, dropping uncontested marks and fumbling the ball frequently.

Nick Tassell kicked the team’s first and Dylan Ryan added a second, but Gladman stood tall to add two goals of his own — one a kick which bounced through from 60m — as the Magpies took a 38-14 advantage into the first break.

Moama coach Simon Maddox was pleased with the pressure from the midfield in the opening term, leading the tackle count 16-9.

The early part of the second term was all about the Magpies versus Cobram captain Lucas.

Goals to Kyle Manley and Jones — sparked by Thorp and Beard — counteracted Lucas’ first major, but the forward then kicked two goals in a row to reduce the margin to 20 points.

Moama youngster Jack Harland’s raking left foot was felt to full effect when his kick bounced through for a goal, but it was then the Magpies stopped their run and the visitors made the most of their advantage.

With the margin sitting at 26 points, the home side was ready for half-time, but it was forced to wait.

Thorsen exerted his influence in the middle, as goals to Dylan Ryan, Harry King and Mills saw the gap reduced to four points by the time the siren rung out after a 35-minute quarter.

A rejuvenated Moama appeared after half-time and blitzed the Tigers early in the third term.

Shannon Galea goaled from a set shot straight away, before Gladman made the most of a poor kick-in.

Precise passing from Beard after a great run along the wing led to a Kilmartin goal and the duo combined again moments later to extend the lead to 29 points.

Like the previous term, the Tigers responded to lift their game, but this time Moama held its ground.

A sharp snap from Lucas reduced the margin, but Sage kicked a captain’s goal on the run in reply.

With players starting to tire, the ball became locked in Cobram’s forward half for the last 10 minutes of the quarter, but Moama held on to a 91-64 lead.

Magpies coach Maddox praised his team’s endeavour and urged the players to maintain that effort for the last term.

The game opened up as the teams traded goals, with Jones’ turn and snap for his sixth goal only matched by a tremendous flying snap from Kyle Phipps, which put the Magpies 45 points clear late in the term.

The visitors finished the game better to kick the final three goals, but it only served to flatter the scoreboard as Moama ran out 27-point winners.