Cats crush Magpies
NEERIM-NEERIM South displayed some mixed form in its match-up with Poowong, but periods of its sublime best were still enough to deliver a big win, 24-7 (151) to 7-7 (49).
Although the scoreboard didn't show it, the Magpies matched their fancied opponents around the ground in an opening quarter played at a frenetic pace.
While the visitors couldn't buy a goal, ending the term with a tally of five behinds, the Cats were able to take their opportunities at the other end.
Luke Kinder and Lachlan Bambridge converted set shots, while Thomas Crole rolled one home as the Cats established an early buffer.
The hot pace didn't slow as the Cats quickly went coast to coast following Poowong's fifth behind, Bambridge converting a second set shot to see the Cats out to a handy 21-point buffer.
Neerim-Neerim South would break the game open early in the second term, making a charge to the Lockett end which would realise eight goals to two for the term.
Not to be deflated, the Magpies were competitive late with goals to Jack Hazendonk, who was getting opportunities forward of centre, and William Robertson who took advantage of some loose checking at the stoppage to run into the open goal.
Tempers flared after a crude hit late in the term sparked a melee, but it was the Cats heading into half time with the match seemingly in their control, 12-2 to 2-5.
Poowong's response continued into the third term, the Magpies taking advantage of a drop off from the Cats.
Hazendonk kicked two goals from set shots to finish with three majors for the game, with Rhys Schulz also converting, as Poowong won the quarter with four goals to two.
Hazendonk led the way for a new look Magpies outfit still gelling under him, Thomas Robertson, Alex Henshall, Charlie Koscal, Mitch De Kleuver and Mitch Molloy also lifting to help frustrate the Cats.
Some in the Cats camp labelled it the worst quarter the side had delivered in some time, and it would spark a response as the home side kicked away in the final term for a big win.
Apart from an exceptional goal from the boundary for the Magpies, it was the Cats who took control to the Lockett end, the sharp shooting forwards putting through 10 goals.
Tyssen Morrow, Tom Muir, Jack Blakey and Marko Kulas continued to set up opportunities, Kinder finishing with four goals to feature among the best. Crole would also finish with four majors.
Party time included some snaps and inventive checksides, Bambridge filling his boots to finish with 10 goals.