Crows call the shots

By Ken Moore
LONGWARRY is on target for yet another good season after it registered a hard-fought 30-point victory over Kooweerup on Sunday.
The Crows only led by seven points at half-time, but took control and drew clear in the third quarter before consolidating their strong position in the last term.
With the game up for grabs at half-time, a goal by Longwarry captain Tye Holland followed by late quarter majors by Beau Runnalls and Royce Ablett gave the visitors a 27-point lead.
This, in conditions that were nigh impossible to play catch up football, gave the Crows close to an unassailable lead.
A clever snap by Kooweerup forward Mick Madden at the start of the last quarter gave home supporters a brief glimmer of hope, but despite plenty of hard-at-the-ball efforts, the home side couldn’t make any inroads over the next crucial ten minutes. Midway through the last term, the Crows put themselves in the driving seat when key defender Scott Hamilton moved forward, took a mark and after a clever baulk around his opponent drilled home a goal to put the game out of Kooweerup’s reach.
The Crows had far more players put their hands up on the day.
Pacy half-back Blair Weller rebounded well to be close to if not the best player on the field.
As usual, Tye Holland freewheeled all over the ground with the ball and Scott Hamilton fortified the defence.
Wingman Brody Rundall and half-back Alfie Ablett offered plenty of drive and ruckman Luke Tymensen used his canny judgement and body strength to good advantage and looks like he will be a terrific acquisition for the Crows.
Star Berwick recruit George Gorozidis presented well and despite only kicking one goal from seven shots, made his mark on the game by contributing two vital goal assists in the third quarter.
Longwarry coach Graeme Jose said they played well in the conditions and out run the opposition.
“I fired them up at half-time and they responded like a good side should,” he said.
Few Demons played for all four quarters at their optimum level.
Half-back flanker James Alexander was their most productive player. Gavin Marusic drove the ball forward often and Dan Mullins put in a spirited effort.
Young star Jack Carson acquitted himself well and supporters were buoyed by the performance of his Gippsland Power teammate Shaun Marusic who did well in his first game for the season after recovering from a knee injury.
Demon Coach Paul Williams said that similar to the previous week it was another disappointing result and effort.