STRAIGHT kicking in front of goal and a steely determination to fight out the contest has resulted in the Young Saints winning their first big hit-out of the season against Ungarie last weekend.
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The Saints played a tough brand of football from the opening bounce and with Ungarie showing some good skill around the ground the game looked set to be a close contest.
Saints coach Brad McKinnon said the game was the perfect pre-season match up.
“The game was a well-fought contest between the two teams, it was a very even game and it was good that on the day we came away with a solid win,” he said.
“Our blokes kicked straight which helped us win the game because Ungarie were inaccurate in front of goal which was costly for them.”
The Saints took their chances when they were presented to them and with a dominant ruckman giving the midfield the first opportunity with the ball the Saints were able to go into the last quarter with some confidence.
“We started off really well against the wind to go to the quarter time break in front, that solid start to the game allowed us to take advantage of the wind in the final quarter,” McKinnon said.
“There was a strong wind blowing, which went down the guts of the ground the whole game, that made the northern end of the ground, the dominant scoring end.
“We kicked a couple of quick goals early in the last quarter with that wind at our backs and we were able to hold on to the lead at the final siren.”
Saints player Geoff Harmer said the back-line put pressure on the Ungarie forwards which caused them to kick inaccurately.
McKinnon said the Saints now have a solid base to work from for the 2017 season.
“The game was a really good hit out and with three weeks before the start of the season, it is important our players continue to work on their skills and understand the game plans being put in place,” he said.
“It was a good win for the club on the weekend and if we play with as much commitment every week during the regular season it should be a good one.
“I've not played in this league before so it will be interesting to see what opposition teams come up with each week.”
McKinnon said he was pleased that the win was due to a solid team performance.
“The team played well but Sam Herzich was dominant in the middle and went forward to kick two goals, he was our best player on the day,” he said.
“Sam was closely followed by Brayden Harmer and Jack Debritt who provided plenty of run off the half-back flank and wings.”
The final score was Young Saints 7-1-43 defeated Ungarie 5-8-38.
The Saints’ first premiership game of the year is on April 8 against Parkes.
“With training to continue to stay at 6 pm on Tuesday and Thursdays, it is vital for players to get to training. Anyone is welcome,” McKinnon said.
The game was a well fought out contest, we came away with a solid win thanks to our straight kicking in front of goal.
- Brad McKinnon