Hawks thirds start with style
Drouin's thirds have begun their season in style with a comprehensive win against Bairnsdale.
The Hawks' reports of strong numbers over the pre-season certainly translated into their first competitive match as they proved much too strong in the 12.5 (77) to 6.2 (38) win.
The victory was built primarily in the first and third quarters, where Drouin kicked a collective seven goals to Bairnsdale's one.
Ewan Croucher, Jaxon Huston and Max Williames each booted two goals each in a strong spread of contributors up forward, while Arli Fleming, Jack Walsh and William Young were all excellent for the visitors.
The Hawks will face a big test next week when they face reigning premiers Maffra at home.
Elsewhere in the thirds, Maffra took a tight win over Sale 4.6 (30) to 4.4 (28), Traralgon defeated Leongatha 6.12 (48) to 4.4 (28) and Moe destroyed Morwell 15.9 (99) to 1.1 (7). Warragul did not play due to Wonthaggi being unable to field a thirds side.
Drouin's fourths went down in a heartbreaking one-point loss to Bairnsdale.
The Hawks, heading into the final term seven points down, were able to level the scores in the fourth, before a late Bairnsdale behind proved to be the difference in the 7.10 (52) to 7.9 (51) defeat.
The game remained relatively close throughout the day, though Bairnsdale threated to run away with it after breaking away to a 16-point leading the third before a pair of Hawks goals dragged it back.
Tyler Harkin (three goals) was effective in the forward 50, as Kaiden Walmsley and Jett Proctor were also solid.
Warragul's fourths endured a much tougher day at the office, suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of Wonthaggi.
The Gulls were no match for the visitors, going down 2.7 (19) to 14.10 (94).
The damage was almost entirely done in a first half blitz from the Power that saw them kick 10 straight goals to Warragul's three behinds.
Best on for Warragul included Cooper Beckley, Cooper Leighton and Jake Boote.
In other fourths results Maffra handled Sale 10.15 (75) to 1.2 (8), Traralgon demolished Leongatha 9.12 (66) to 0.1 (1) and Moe annihilated Morwell 25.18 (168) to 4.3 (27).
A much more competitive Warragul reserves side were beaten but hardly embarrassed by Wonthaggi.
The Gulls' twos were the competition's easy beats for most of 2023 as the injury crisis in the seniors trickled down, and though they never looked like winning, the 3.5 (23) to 9.8 (62) scoreline was a big improvement on the many thumpings they copped last season.
The Gulls were bolstered by a number of their under 18s players getting game time, given they didn’t play earlier in the day.
Two goals in the final term was the home side's best result for the match.
Caleb McIntosh, Charlie Dore and Scott Kelly were all creditable for the Gulls.
A second half fadeout from Drouin's reserves cost them in what was up until half time a fair contest against Bairnsdale.
The Hawks trailed by just 12 points going into the third quarter but couldn't go with the Redlegs, kicking one goal to five to fall away 5.4 (34) to 10.17 (77).
Like Warragul, Drouin also had their fair share of struggles in the reserves last year, and will look to build on their highly competitive first half going forward.
Drouin's best were Noah Glen, Jack Walsh and Jed Bethune.
In other reserves results Moe overcame Morwell 7.6 (48) to 4.6 (30), Maffra shut down Sale 7.3 (45) to 1.4 (10) and Leongatha opened their premiership defence in style with a sizeable 11.12 (78) to 4.4 (28) win over Traralgon.