Derby goes way of All Blacks
Seniors All Blacks 17.14 (116) def Goorambat 7.8 (50)
The Panthers took on Goorambat in the local derby at home after a five-week break.
In the first quarter we came out swinging, the midfield got on top and the forwards worked as a collective; the best they have all year.
We kicked seven goals, one behind to be up by 28 points at the first break.
In the second quarter, All Blacks continued their dominance around the contest and burned the opposition on the spread.
Chris O’Connor and Al Jacka both hit the scoreboard in that quarter.
Unfortunately though, as a team All Blacks wasted some opportunities to really bury Goorambat before the first half, despite going into half-time up by 41.
Panthers’ third quarter saw the back six stand up and completely shut down the Bats, only allowing two points in that quarter.
Harry Ellis held Goorambat’s leading goal-scorer for the season to zero goals and zero marks inside forward 50 for the day.
In the final quarter, the Panthers had most of the play again, but the move of swinging Trent Chapman forward from the backline was a highlight.
The ultimate swing man kicked three goals in the final quarter, finishing the day with four.
Our Total Tools best on ground award went to first year player David Button.
David has spent the majority of the year as a backman, but yesterday had a stand-out performance in the forward line, putting the opposition under enormous pressure, taking strong contested marks and finishing the day with three goals.
A solid all-round performance, running out winners by 11 goals.
Next weekend we have our first final, taking on Bright at Milawa on Sunday.
Dosser Panels:
Royal Hotel:
Brad and Mel’s Snack Bar:
Collison.
Benalla Gold Cup entry:
Ryan.
David Button. Trent Chapman.
Kyle
Michael
Bully’s Barbershop: SportsPower award:
Reserves All Blacks 26.14 (170) def Goorambat 1.3 (9)
After what felt like an eon without playing, the All Blacks reserves side came back with a bang, recording a dominant win against arch-rival Goorambat.
After a heavily contested first quarter, the cobwebs were finally blown out and our class and athleticism came to the fore.
In a classy return from a long injury lay-off, Josh Kotvas never missed a beat, sublimely returning to his pre-injury form, providing run and carry all over the ground.
Aiden Amos was electric all game, especially in the contest and moving the ball forward.
The Panthers’ backline stood tall, led by the efforts of Jeremy Hayes and Jordy Wilkinson, whose rebound out of the back half led to many forays forward, and shots on goal.
Jacob Donlon and Tony Wilkinson were dominant in their movement and class up forward, providing many scoring opportunities as well as hitting the scoreboard themselves.
Next week the reserves side looks forward to a great week on the training track as we eye our first finals appearance since 2018, against Bright next Saturday. Royal Hotel:
Coffeez To Go/The Caffeinator:
Aiden Amos.
Benalla Gold Cup entry:
Wilkinson.
Josh Kotvas.
Warehouse Cuts: RUSTIK Cafe´ : SportsPower award:
Jordan
Jacob Donlon. Jeremy Hayes.
A. Wilkinson.