WEST GIPPSLAND
An explosive opening burst of four goals in four minutes ensured Koo wee rup would always be in control of its round nine West Gippsland Football Netball Competition match against Kilcunda-Bass.
Having entered the season unsure if he would make a return to the field from injury, Demons utility Anthony Giuliano showed he could still turn it on when it counts with his three goals coming in an explosive three-minute burst to start the match.
The Demons soon had their fourth just one minute later and things were getting ugly quickly for the struggling Panthers. The Panthers could register just the minor score while the Demons slammed on seven first quarter goals to take control of the contest.
Although the Panthers fought bravely in the second term, kicking two goals to one, it would be the only quarter they would win as they fell 18-10 (118) to 5-9 (39).
Re-emerging onto the field following the half time break keen to make the most of their bright start, the Demons were ruthless in the second half as they kicked away to a big win.
Four goals to one in the third term extinguished any hopes the Panthers had of containing their opposition, with six goals to two in the final term rounding out a big win.
Josh Smith and Jason Wells each followed on from the early exploits of Giuliano, all finishing with three goals.
Another former Cora Lynn player in Nathan Muratore also had a day out, with Tim Miller, Luke McMaster, Rory Connelly and Bailey Galante also among the better players.
Luke Walker made his return to the Demons side and while he registered just the one major, he will form part of a strong combination forward of centre alongside the likes of Wells and Giuliano.
Former Nilma-Darnum midfielder Jean Bezzene was among the better players for the Panthers.
Goon keep pace
Nar Nar Goon kept pace at the top end of the ladder with a big win over Dalyston, 23-18 (156) to 3-5 (23).
Having entered the season with high hopes, the Goon are living up to their internal expectations with the result improving their record to 7-2.
The Goon will enter the second half of the season in second-place on the ladder and just the one win behind reigning premier Inverloch-Kongwak, their big win over the Magpies ensuring they turn for home with superior percentage than the ladder leaders.
Four goals to one in the first term opened an early buffer, the Goon kicking out to a 50-point lead at the long break after keeping the Magpies scoreless in the second term.
Dalyston broke through for two goals in the third term, but the Goon were still well and truly in control as they slammed through eight goals for the quarter to put the result well and truly beyond doubt.
The pain didn’t stop for the Magpies in the final term as the Goon steered through six majors. The damage could have been greater had the Goon converted better, also recording seven behinds for the term.
Tom Dovaston kicked five goals while midfielder Matthew Stevens also had a major impact on the scoreboard, booting four majors. They headed a long line of goal kickers, with Jake Smith and Troy McDermott each booting three.
Sam Blackwood, Brendan Hermann, Trent Armour and Trent Noy were also prominent.
With no Ellinbank and District football for the weekend Poowong midfielder Josh Chaivaroli lined up for Dalyston and acquitted himself well booting one goal and finishing among the better players.
Giants stand tall
With both teams entering the contest with just the one win, Korumburra-Bena and Bunyip entered their match with confidence.
Unfortunately for the Bulldogs it was the Giants who recorded a comfortable win, 13-10 (88) to 77 (49).
Korumburra-Bena made a strong start with six goals to three in the first quarter, but the Bulldogs fought back to cut the margin to 14-points at the long break.
Any hopes of the Bulldogs making any further in-roads were quickly dashed, the Giants booting six goals to two in the second half.
Cleyton Bertoncello booted three goals for Bunyip, with Justin McCleary, Brad Walker, Jason Williams, Nathan Allen and Dylan Gallasch also among the better players.
Premier defeated
Reigning premier InverlochKongwak suffered its first defeat of the season, with Phillip Island showing they mean business for the second half of the season.
Despite a slow start and a 22point quarter time deficit, the Bulldogs dominated the second and third terms to set up their win, 12-11 (83) to 8-11 (59).
Six goals to one in the second term put the Bulldogs back in front, and the Bulldogs backed it up with five goals to two in the third term to open a handy 26point buffer at the final change.
The Sea Eagles won a tight final term with two goals to one, but the damage had been done.
Having flown under the radar to sit fourth on the ladder with a healthy percentage, the result will put the likes of Nar Nar Goon and Koo wee rup on notice.