MURRABIT have claimed their first victory under new coach Jack Shannahan, battling throughout the day for a gutsy 22-point win over Macorna.
In their first home game of the season the Blues led at every break but were kept on their toes by a relentless Macorna side who stayed within touching distance all game.
Shannahan said he “definitely felt a bit of relief to get the first win on the board”.
“It was a really good game of footy and I think it was a really mature and gutsy win,” he said.
“Macorna kept coming at us – we couldn’t really put them away.
“We felt like we had the game under control for most of the game but just couldn’t get away from that couple of goals margin.
“When they drew level halfway through the last quarter, things were getting a bit nervous for me.
“They probably had a couple of chances to kick another goal or two but we were good enough to be able to stop their momentum.”
Blues skipper Nathan O’Toole was superb in the win, kicking four goals and dominating the ball at stoppages and through the middle.
Shannahan said O’Toole and his fellow midfielders were “crucial” in the win.
“He’s tenacious at the contest and has no fear but he also has that ability to kick goals and hit targets as well,” he said.
“He does so much to bust packs and move the ball forward.
“He had plenty of clearances yesterday.
“It’s really important for us to have that contribution from the midfield.
“When you have seven goal kickers like we did, you’re going to win more games.”
After being down a rotation from the second quarter after Ryan Harvey suffered a broken leg, Shannahan said some new recruits stood up to impact the game.
“Liam (Holt-Fitz) and Jordan (Lampi) were awesome,” he said.
“To be able to slot straight into a group where they hadn’t trained too much with the team was impressive.
“Lampi through the midfield had a ton of the footy and his disposal was second to none, kicking a couple of goals as well.
“Liam is such an X-factor player for us.
“He can dance around a couple of blokes and get the ball moving our way.
“He’s such a composed and experienced footballer for someone who is just 23.”
Both of the new signings pitched in with two goals, as did Ben Gillingham, while Tristan McIntosh kicked three for the Tigers.
Macorna’s half-back line worked hard throughout the game, with Travis Mercadante and Toby Whinfield standing out, as did Fergus Bear and Sam Whinfield.
Ultima have claimed their second win in a row, weathering a tough Wandella side to win by 62-points.
The Bombers started the game on the front foot, leading by two goals at quarter time, before Ultima got their game going in the latter stages to kick away.
Wandella coach Justin Robinson was Wandella’s best with a bag of seven goals and he said he was pleased with his side’s start.
“We came out of the gates really well,” Robinson said.
“It was good to see us have a good start, which is something we’ve probably lacked at Wandella for the last couple of seasons.
“We were up and about early but unfortunately Ultima were too good in the end and ran over us in the last quarter.
“I think a fair bit of it came down to fitness for us.
“A few of us were a bit flat-footed in that last quarter and a bit worn out but Ultima had that experience to really fight it out to the end.”
Russell Rich was at his best once again, winning the hard ball, while youngster Nathan Boysen also impressed for the Bombers.
Ryan Devereux was a dangerous target for the Roos, finishing the game with six goals.
Billy Delmenico, Darcy Farrell and Thomas Bull were also good.
Hay were too good for Moulamein away from home as they claimed a 68-point win, with young-gun Jim Houston kicking four goals in the absence of Declan Watson.
The battle between Jack Cattanach and Andrew May in the middle was one to watch, each player being named best on ground for their respective teams.
