By Ken Moore
DECIMATED by a huge number of departures over summer Garfield was thrashed by 154 points against Moe in the opening round of the 2009 WGLFL season.
The Stars were competitive in the first quarter but their challenge petered out in the second quarter as they watched the home side go on a seven goal to nil rampage.
The trend of play in the second quarter indicated it was going to be a long day for the Stars and the Lions were in an uncompromising mood scoring six third quarter goals and finishing with a nine goal final term to record a percentage boosting victory.
Garfield could only manage two goals for the game, those scored by never say die skipper Brent Eastwell and Nick Rogers.
Ben and Ned Marsh won plenty of the ball, Zeke Hower did well across the forward line from limited opportunities and Eastwell showed his usual hunger for the ball.
James Coburn got many disposals and despite being under siege for most part defender Brett Reid repelled many attacks.
As the score line suggested Moe had winners all over the field.
Former Gippsland Power small James Blaser was busy all game, star recruit Matt Forys celebrated his return to the club from Shepparton United with seven goals, Tommy Long and Daniel Halstead were almost impassable in defence and Ashley Payne slotted through five goals including four in the last quarter.
It appears Garfield will just be out to earn respectability each week this season while Moe will have nothing less than a finals berth in their sight.
In front of a huge crowd, Drouin, expected to be a big improver under new coach and former Garfield stalwart Ben Soumilas went down by 12 points to Traralgon, a team also well fancied this season after a number of key off season signings.
The Hawks were well in the game at half time when they trailed by only four points but a seven goal to two third quarter by the Maroons set up their victory.
As is usually the case the winners used the ball more efficiently for the majority of the game.
Traralgon ruckman Rohan Hore had a terrific tussle with his counterpart Bob McCallum and while the Hawk tall made a significant impact the Maroon follower won the “Bluey day medal” for best on ground.
Glenorchy recruit Matt Smith showed he was going to be an acquisition with his ability to win the ball and deliver it well while midfield Tom McQualter made a welcome return to the club with a fine game.
Leigh Cummins and Sam McCulloch solidified the defence and young wingman Jake Mowatt looks to have a bright future.
For the Hawks, Daniel Barrand, Andy Soumilas and Springvale recruit Pat McGrath were all a driving force through the midfield and David Olsen weighed in with many handy possessions across half back.
Brad Carmody showcased his talent with five goals but the Hawks disappointed because the score line could have been a lot worse had they not have scored six goals in the final 12 minutes of the game.
The reigning premiers, Sale, dispelled any thoughts that it would not be competitive against the top sides this season after it defeated the 2009 flag favourites Morwell.
The Magpies lost well over a third of its premiership team over summer and most notably, almost its entire forward line to E&DFL side, Nilma-Darnum but showed it still had plenty of depth to be in the finals mix once again with a fighting nine point victory in a high quality affair.
The new season opened in style with the first quarter spawning 12 goals and six goals apiece.
The game was still in the balance at three quarter time but three unanswered majors at the start of the last term gave the home side a match winning lead before the Tigers fought back with the last three goals of the match.
Coach Adrian Cox and his experienced team mate Rodney Love led the way for the Magpies with big possession numbers, Chris Laverty regularly mopped up behind the centre, young ruckman Toby Leeds showed improvement as did forward Ben Sayers, who snagged five goals and looks a much improved player after being a regular in the reserves last season.
Morwell’s best included half back Michael P Duncan, centre man Adam Bailey and key forward Lachlan Dowling who presented well.
Brett Knowles, back from ACT club Belconnen kicked three goals and Joel Soutar troubled the Magpies with many clearing dashes.
On Saturday night Leongatha made a statement that it has arrived as a serious force after it demolished Warragul by 78 points.
Both teams recruited well over summer and while the result is not a massive shock the margin was.
The Parrots were only 14 points up at half time but went into overdrive in the second half scoring four goals to one in the third quarter and finishing off with a nine goal to one blitz in the last term.
Former Pakenham tall Justin Sutherland, injured for most of last season dominated the ruck in the absence of the Gulls ruck Matt Gray and gave his smalls first use of the ball often.
Swan Hill recruit Dwayne Holt showed he was a real talent and with good skill and judgement he netted eight goals and is sure to pose problems for defenders from all clubs in upcoming games.
Brad Rayson was in everything, debutant Jesse Poulton played an assured game in the back pocket and Clint Johnston was a good target across half forward.
On paper, Warragul looked to have a superior side to last season but it did little to show it on the scoreboard.
The Gulls were well served by on ballers Clint Rowe and Ryan Davey, Tim Keily back from Trafalgar had a dip, Ellinbank recruit and Gippsland Power 2006 best and fairest Tom Johnson showed some good signs in a very disappointing performance by the Guls.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:
This week’s tips
TRARALGON v Maffra
(Sunday)
MOE v Drouin (Anzac Day Saturday night)
WARRAGUL v Garfield
(Sunday)
SALE v Leongatha (Sunday)
