Mid-table teams make their case
THE opening round of Ellinbank District football saw three mid-table sides from 2023 demonstrate their expected improvement as Lang Lang, Longwarry and Yarragon all recorded victories.
While Lang Lang with its recruiting and Longwarry with its returning players were tipped as possible bolters, Yarragon entered the season as a bit of an unknown quantity.
The Panthers held off season 2023 finalist Poowong, prevailing 9-9 (63) to 5-9 (39) to demonstrate they could well be part of the mid-table group pushing for the top five.
It was the Magpies who held the slight edge early, entering the first change with a ninepoint lead.
Three goals to one in the second term put the Panthers two-points ahead at the long break, and from there they were able to hold a slight edge in a low scoring contest.
Holding the Magpies to just one behind in the third term helped the cause, increasing the lead to 14 at the final change.
While Poowong were able to hit the scoreboard with two final quarter goals, the Panthers had the answers as they steered through three majors of their own.
Mitchell Jolly, Brayden Hefford, Trav Davis, Dean Kelly, Sam van der Zalm and Nathan Mazza helped the Panthers hold the slight edge.
Leading the competitive effort from the Magpies were Joel Norton, Zac Gray, Mitch De Kleuver, Joshua Chiavaroli, Rory Nettle and Gavin Monson.
LANG LANG ticked the first box towards a return to finals with its new recruits helping it to victory over Trafalgar, 10-5 (65) to 5-8 (38).
Decorated forward Marc Holt, who boasts more than 1000 goals across his career, had a big influence on proceedings as the Tigers kicked away in blustery conditions.
The Bloods held a narrow one-point margin as the first term realised just one goal apiece.
Three goals to one in the second term opened a slight buffer for the Tigers, with two goals apiece in the third term continuing the low scoring struggle.
Holding a 10-point lead, Lang Lang kicked away with four goals to one in the final term.
Strong marking was a feature of Holt's game, finishing with 3-3 while also giving off three other opportunities.
Brad Clark, Kalin Parker, Brad Harding and Josh Brown were also prominent for the home side.
Keeping Trafalgar in the contest were Jace Butler, Isaac Caroleo, Brayde Bosman, Daniel Baker, Liam Coulthard and Brad Hoffmann.
SIX goals from livewire forward Jason Wells helped Longwarry kick away for a strong win over Catani, 13-10 (88) to 6-10 (46).
The Blues defended well in the first half to go into the long break trailing by just 12-points, two goals to four.
But the Crows were able to score freely in the second half with nine goals to four, a return of six goals to two in the third term key to establishing a six goal advantage at the final change.
Justin McCleary, Cooper Brown, Ryan Wouters, Kane Oldham and Bailey Stephens were also prominent for Longwarry.