Beware the Goon!

By Ken Moore
NAR Nar Goon sent an emphatic message to all rivals that it cannot be dismissed as a premiership contender after it towelled up finals’ aspirants Longwarry by 75 points on Saturday.
The Crows hopes were largely scuppered when the Goon scored five first-quarter goals against a stiff wind to lead by seven points at quarter time.
Young Goon wingman Dean Kelly lined up on Crow gun Brody Rundell and ran amok in the first quarter and with more than a dozen possessions that set the home side alight early.
Another emerging Goon youngster Brodie Howe was equally important, reading play well around the big sticks, slotting home three first-quarter goals and sneaking under the guard of the Longwarry defence.
Nar Nar Goon built upon its strong start with six second-quarter goals to open up a 34-point lead at the main change.
The Goon midfield led by coach Clint Williams, ball magnet Matt Wade, Adam Marchant and Ben Keane, all provided plenty of forward thrusts during the term, while ruck pair Nick Mulcahy and Brad Jones also played an influential role.
Scott Haughton, Tom Hallinan and Matt Keane fortified the Goon back six.
Nar Nar Goon’s half-time lead was due to its dominance at the stoppages and its clean centre clearances.
Longwarry produced a sustained spell of pressure in the opening 10 minutes of the third term before the Goon absorbed the pressure and hit back to stretch the lead to 51 points at the last break.
During the quarter the Goon defenders continued to play good, disciplined football and were given terrific assistance from Brad Jones, who often dropped back as a loose man in defence to stymie many of the Crows’ attacks.
The Goon reinforced its superiority with a four-goal-to-nil last quarter to run out big winners.
Goon forward Brodie Howe proveda surprise packet with seven goals and having scored 31 goals for theseason is now stamping himself as adangerous player around the big sticks that must be respected.
Tough Doveton recruit Tom Hallinan showed he was returning to his best form with a fine display in the last line of defence, while in and around the midfield, Clint Williams, Matt Wade and Matt Stocco provided the engine room.
Brent Hughes played a close-checking game on Luke Serong and likewise Chris Adams on Beau Runnalls.
For Longwarry, captain Tye Holland was strong throughout, but far too many of his disposals were mopping up behind the centre where he could not hurt the Goon or provide a supply line to his forwards.
Assistant coach Matt Campbell and Beau Ridgeway were competitive in and around the middle and Blair Weller swept the ball out of defence on a regular basis.
Twins Dylan and Rhys Holland chimed in with many handy possessions from their wing positions, Ken Towt was his usual reliable self in defence and Scott Hamilton put his body on the line at both ends.