The Young Saints have broken through for its first win of the season after it dominated the Cowra Blues in last Saturday’s AFL Central West clash at Mulyan Oval.
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The Saints followed on from recent good form and recorded a resounding 18.13 (121) to 9.10 (64) victory.
Coach Brad Mckinnon said it was not the best performance of the year from the Saints, but they played a coherent team game, winning the clearances, inside-50s and contested possessions.
“It was an even game in the first quarter, and our poor kicking for goal kept the Blues in the contest,” he said.
“We could not shake the Blues until the third term, which is when we were finally able to apply some scoreboard pressure.
“The half-back line provided plenty of run all day, but it was our midfield that outran Cowra and set the win up for us.
“We swapped a couple of blokes around position wise on the weekend, and when we got control of the match, we showed what we are capable of.”
McKinnon said the Saints’ maiden victory should boost morale around the club and have his players believing they can win more games.
“It was not the best performance for the year from the boys, we missed some easy shots at goal, but we will take the four points, and hopefully we can continue the good form on next week,” he said.
“It was good to get a win, and hopefully it will build our confidence up for the second half of the season.”
McKinnon said the back-line worked together well choosing the right attacking and defensive options.
“Anthony Mortimer played his best game of the year, with a really solid performance in the back line along with Brayden Harmer who gave us plenty of run off the half-back flank,” he said.
“Jason McKinnon also impressed his teammates by racking up the touches in the middle.
“We got first use of the ball around the ground on numerous occasions thanks to Ethan Cummins who dominated the ruck.”
Club President Derek Mayhew said next week’s game against the Giants in Bathurst is a crucial match for the Saints.
“They beat us convincingly at the beginning of the season, so we will need to bring our best game and see how far we can push them,” he said.
“But we now have our first win of the season, and we know we can match it with the best after just losing to the top team a few rounds ago, so I think we can cause an upset and win this weekend.
“I think we can climb the ladder a few places before the season is over and it starts this weekend.”
Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
