Warragul Industrials flex their muscle
Warragul Industrials showed they have what it takes to be an Ellinbank District Football League threat, with a 10 goal second half propelling them to a comfortable victory over Nilma-Darnum, 17-16 (118) to 10-7 (67).
Despite losing Jason Wells in the off-season, the Dusties were able to overcome a sluggish start and kick a winning score.
Corey Nickels stepped up in Wells’ absence, scoring four goals, while Will Jolley and Tye Holland pushed forward to each score three goals as the Dusties kicked five goals in each term following to improve on their 2-5 quarter time return.
Despite being wasteful in the first term, the Dusties led by 10 points at the first break.
The match appeared to be living up to its billing as match of the round following a frenetic second term which realised nine majors, Dusties taking a 13-point lead into the long break.
Holding the Bombers to just two goals in the third term proved crucial for the Dusties, who extended the lead out to 34 points at the final change.
The Dusties kept the foot on the pedal in the final term to run out a comfortable 51-point victory.
Holland, Ben Northover, Tyson Bale, Nickels, Josh Peterson and Josh Seri forced the issue for the visitor.
Ben Campbell was best in front of goal for the Bombers, kicking three majors. Nathan Campbell, Robert Provan, Luke Lange, Jarrod Stewart, Nicholas Wilcox and Hayden Potts ensured he had supply.
Key midfielder Zeke Lamb and Pines recruits Shaun White and Lai Lenoa were among the notable absentees from last year’s Bombers line up, who will be confident in bouncing back to play consecutive finals series.
Big win
Warragul Industrials picked up a big win in the Reserves, running out winners to the tune of 101-points, 21-9 (135) to 5-4 (34).
The Dusties took a 22-point lead into quarter time and were never headed, adding six, five and six goals in the remaining quarters to cruise to an easy win.
Captain Shane Ingham kicked four goals, while Jai Jose and Luke Gilbert chipped in with three majors each.
The reigning premiers look strong again and could extend their premiership streak.
Other better players were Troy Hemming, Ayden Mills and Tom Turner.
Nilma-Darnum were best served by Thomas Williamson, Robert Campbell, Sean Viotto, Brendon Van Eyk, Corey Wright and Luke Galley, who kicked two goals.
Travel rewarded
The Dusties under 18s travelled to Catani to get a game in and were rewarded with the four points, winning 11-12 (78) to 5-5 (35).
The Dusties overcame a slow start, trailling at quarter time, but worked their way to a half time lead and from there they never looked back.
Four goals to no score in the final term blew the final margin out to 43-points.
Isaac Lalor, Darcy Norton, Joseph Murfet, Bailey Wright, Joel Paredes and Keegan Tullett led Dusties to victory.
Braidyn Hall, Trent Adams, Jackson Caddy, Riley McDonald, Jack Louden and Mitchell Davey kept the Blues in the contest, but couldn’t prevent the final quarter fade out.
Dusties too good
Warragul Industrials were far too good with NilmaDarnum well down on numbers.
The Dusties romped out to a 70-point lead at half time before taking the foot off the pedal on the way to winning, 17-11 (113) to 4-5 (29).
Darcy Wheland and Oliver Marek each kicked three goals for Dusties, while other better players were Harrison Perry, Patrick Smythe, Lachlan Wilson and Xavier Ford.
Korey Carrison, Blake Cann, Sebastian Crowle, Haydn Burke and Finn Dowty battled hard against the odds for Nilma-Darnum.