Tatura has taken another major step forward on its rebuild according to coach Paul Barnard following a tense and gritty 15-point win over Shepparton United on Saturday.
The first-year mentor was proud of his injury-ravaged outfit’s performance to hang on against the fast-finishing Dees at a picturesque Deakin Reserve and retain the Family Care Cup.
Urged by coach Duane Hueston to “take the game on” at three-quarter time, United peppered the inside 50 count, but struggled to make the most of its opportunities.
A ripping check-side goal from talented Demon Lewis Stanton brought the game back within seven points, but a class gather and goal on the run from Harley McCarthy 10 minutes later snapped the momentum and sealed Tatura a 9.14 (68) to 7.11 (53) win.
United defender Mitch Roche led the way, while Declan Newbound and skipper Adam Pigatto tried hard.
Bulldogs ruckman Chris Ryan (one goal) was a clear standout and provided his on-ball brigade plenty of first looks, while defender Michael Archer backed up his starring role the previous week in a back six that was ‘‘outstanding“ according to Barnard.
Image 1 of 10
Quick kick: Tatura's Brodie Meyers. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 2 of 10
Flying high: Shepparton United's Sam Lewis in his senior debut. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 3 of 10
Hunt is on: Shepparton United's Joel Serra. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 4 of 10
No look handball: Tatura's Will Pyke. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 5 of 10
Eyes forward: Tatura's Michael Archer. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 6 of 10
Handful of Demon: Shepparton United's Marcus Wattie calls for a free-kick. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 7 of 10
Ruck duel: Shepparton United's Patrick Thompson and Tatura's Chris Ryan. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 8 of 10
In the zone: Tatura's Sean McAllister. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 9 of 10
Under pressure: Shepparton United's Kyle Clarke. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 10 of 10
Get around him: Tatura's Ethan Penrith is swamped after booting a goal. Photo by Aydin PayneBut the main praise from Barnard was directed at his young Bulldogs.
Zach Langlands was dangerous up forward and his run-down tackles were a highlight, while Charlie Murdoch and Blake Armstrong were lively.
“We’ve gained some territory in our learning and development,” Barnard said.
“We’re going to run into Euroa, Seymour and these teams that are coming up, so it’s how we learn (now). Winning habits are good and you learn from those ... last week we were really disappointed with that loss and the boys went out there and did something about it and as a club we’re really pleased for them.
“There were plenty of mistakes going around, but we’ve got a fair few players out and we’re calling upon 17, 18, 19-year-olds to come in and understand about GVL senior footy and play their role.
“I thought our young blokes, in particular, across centre half-forward with their pressure acts were brilliant ... for us it’s a bit of learning. Yes, we’re pleased, we’ve won and we’ll take a lot out of it, but we’ve got a long way to go.”
The win was soured for the Bulldogs with gun recruit Daniel Weetra unable to finish off the game due to injury.
The key defender suffered a low-grade hamstring injury that will sideline him for the “next couple of weeks”.
It adds to Tatura’s long medical list, one that consists of Aydin Kesici, Jimmy Bennett, Che Walls, Jacob Chessells and Chaz Sargeant.
“There’s nothing you can do about it, it’s just next soldier up. We had three guys come in today and they’re learning and I’m pretty pleased for them in that sense,” Barnard said.
“I’m sure other clubs have got injuries as well, but we’re really scraping the barrel and we’re doing our best.”
Lastly, perhaps one of the most memorable sights of the day came in the depths of the stands at Deakin Reserve post game.
Tatura footballers were joined by their A-grade counterparts following their drought-breaking win over United which sealed the Family Care Cup-Shield double.
“For me it’s about we as a club,” Barnard said.
“We want Tatura Football Netball Club to be represented in a way that is contributing to the community and we think a lot of the ethos of what we’re trying to promote in our club is be the cornerstone of our community and just be good citizens. It’s really important from a club perspective and we’re really proud of them.”