Above: Buln Buln big man Anthony Baker punches the ball away from his Longwarry opponent Aaron Jones in the Crows solid win on Saturday.By Ken Moore
LONGWARRY, Kooweerup and Nyora remain undefeated after the first month of football, in which all three have clearly been the early pacesetters.
Longwarry fended off a stunning thirdquarter revival by Buln Buln that yielded nine straight goals before it steadied in the final quarter to notch a 42point victory.
The Lyrebirds seemed out of their depth at halftime after they were outscored by 21 scoring shots to two, but conjured a remarkable third quarter to whittle down a 54point deficit to only 15 points at threequarter time.
Led by the drive in and around the midfield of Brent Eastwell, veteran Andrew Baker and youngster Kallym Canobie, and with a focal target in Matthew Gooden, Buln Buln drew within striking distance at the final change.
Revved up by Grant Close at the last break, Longwarry answered the challenge to draw away from the Lyrebirds by the final siren.
Matt Campbell was a prolific ball winner and played his best game for the season, speedster Blair Weller offered plenty of drive through the middle, Ken Towt solidified the defence and Glenn Browney shone again in front of the big sticks with six goals.
Cora Lynn had a 106point victory over Lang Lang, but the result did not do justice to the Tigers’ performance.
Lang Lang provided a real contest, led at quartertime and only trailed by 25 points midway through the third quarter before it fell away badly in the later stages and was swamped on its home turf.
For the Cobras, Shannon Taylor notched eight goals, all after quartertime after moving from full back to full forward at the first change.
Narre Warren recruit Dave Barrie impressed with six goals, David Collins and Michael Duiker offered plenty of drive and Anthony Giuliano put in another assured display in the back pocket.
For the Tigers, Kurt Batt put in an outstanding fourquarter effort that earned praise from not only the Tiger camp but also huge wraps from the opposition.
John Simpson presented well across the forward line and kicked three goals and Kristian Frederickson, Sean and Stuart Casey, Jamie Hawker and Corey Dowson all battled hard in defence.
After an even first quarter Catani drew away from NeerimNeerim South to run away 92point winners.
Paul Alger and Michael and Andy Stockx found plenty of possessions for the victors and Josh Tymensen showed his versatility with a top performance in an unfamiliar defensive role.
Youngster Brad Nobelius proved a surprise packet with six goals, including four in the second quarter.
For NeerimNeerim South, ruckman Damian Rhind toiled hard, Matt Irwin in his first game for the season and forward Andrew Herd made their presence felt.
Trailing by 18 points at halftime, Kooweerup came out a different outfit with an eightgoals toone third quarter to wrest control of its clash with Warragul Industrials.
After the main break the Demon midfield led by John Stanley, Peter Doll and Josh Winter all lifted and, with six goals by Scott Morrison, Kooweerup ran out 43point winners.
For Warragul, Shane Lindau snagged five majors, halfback Jason Kennedy impressed, Joey Williamson in his 100th game and Michael McCormack in his 50th, both performed solidly.
Ellinbank took until midway through the last quarter before it threw off a determined Poowong.
The Bankers registered the last four goals of the game to win by 39 points.
Drouin recruit Adam Weeding showed his worth with six goals, Luke Bond in the ruck, Toby and Ash Wallace and Mark Johnston were all prominent.
For Poowong, Luke James with four goals, ruckman Jeremy Alblas and defender Clint Attenborough never relented.
Nyora capped off a good month of football with an emphatic 85point victory over Bunyip.
The Saints’ victory was built on the back of an unanswered sevengoal onslaught in the second quarter.
Recruits Corrie Wilson and Rory Gilliatte played a big role midfield and forwards Nathan Osler (12 goals) and Chris Langley (six), proved almost unstoppable.
Bunyip took the game up to Nyora early and led by two goals until deep into the first quarter before the Saints turned things around.
Bunyip ruckman Shane Mumford and fellow talls Ryan Ablett with five goals and Aaron Jones all made their presence felt along with defenders Marc Jolley and Andrew Hobday.
Doveton recruit Aaron Henwood showed enough to suggest he will be a good acquisition.
It is early days but Nyora’s performance reinforces that it is firm premiership favourite.
Bunyip showed potency in attack when given the opportunity but its midfielders need to work harder and put more pressure on the ball carrier if it is to step up and play a major role in September.
On Sunday Nar Nar Goon collected its first match points when it accounted for NilmaDarnum by 75 points.
On a wet afternoon, the Goon quickly dampened the Bombers’ 1000th game celebrations when it jumped out of the blocks to establish a 59point halftime lead.
Blair Lidstone, Shannon Stocco and Matt Wade all made telling contributions and Clint Sheedy finished off the good work upfield with four majors.
NilmaDarnum fought the game out with three lastquarter goals to add a bit if respectability to the scoreline.
