The Standard | “WE’VE got the monkey off the back.”
Elation and relief were evident in coach David Haynes’ voice after Panmure broke through for its first win of the Warrnambool and District league season.
The Bulldogs defeated East Warrnambool 16.18 (114) to 12.11 (83) at Reid Oval on Saturday, delivering fans a long-awaited reason to celebrate.
Haynes was the star of the show, kicking nine goals while senior players Tom White, Sam Mahony and Shaun Griffin stood tall against a spirited opponent.
“The boys were happy to get the win. Credit to East Warrnambool, they really took it up to us and had a red-hot crack all day,” Haynes said.
“They’re going to be on the improve, they’re going to be pretty hard to beat in the next couple of weeks.
“Our blokes played OK, I wouldn’t say world-beaters.
“Tom White was sensational again and the leaders stood up.
“Sam Mahony played his best game of the year, Griff was good.” Haynes said Panmure never felt comfortable, despite always leading after a 5.6 to 2.4 first quarter.
East Warrnambool cut the deficit to 15 points by half-time before Haynes’ men broke clear with five goals to two to lead 12.16 to 7.9 at the last break.
“They were always thereabouts, it was never at the stage we were comfortable.
“We’d kick a couple of goals and they’d sneak one or two,” he said.
He said the Bulldogs’ superior ball use and speed of transition was the difference. “It always helps when you can get the ball to one-on-ones,” he said.
But the performance wasn’t all positive. Haynes said the Bulldogs still lacked consistency and were too reliant on their top tier.
“At times, when you get off to a good start, you take the foot off the pedal. We did that at times and we got complacent,” he said.
“The difference between playing a good side and others is when you take the foot off the pedal, you’re going to get hurt and get hurt badly.
“The first quarter against South Rovers we got smashed. Allansford, one quarter of footy they really dominated. Nirranda was the same.”
East Warrnambool onballer Blake Rudland-Castles was the Bombers’ best, kicking five goals, while captain Chris Edwards booted three.
Jayden Millet also featured in their best, for the third time this season, along with Ben Gray and Tyson Mackley.
