A seven-goal masterclass from Chaz Sargeant delivered Tatura a convincing 43-point triumph over Shepparton United and its second win of the Goulburn Valley League campaign on Saturday.
On an overcast and cold day at Tatura Park, Sargeant’s heroics inside forward 50 helped light up the day’s action as the host ran out a 14.7 (91) to 6.12 (48) winner.
Sargeant caused plenty of headaches for the United defenders.
The key forward showcased his talents and slotted goals from just about every angle in a performance that is certain to have the umpires direct three votes his way.
Sargeant’s exploits in the round nine win had Tatura leap-frog United on the ladder.
“Chaz has been ready for a breakout game for some time now, but injuries have kept him sidelined a bit,” Tatura coach Paul Kirby said.
“He was superb for us; he’s a real power forward in the way he’s able to hit the contest hard and then follow up at ground level. I thought his second efforts were great.
“We rate him really highly as a player and I’m happy to see him hit the scoreboard in the fashion that he did and have a standout game.”
Tatura was able to get the jump on the Dees in the opening term — thanks to Sargeant — and opened up a 19-point lead at the first break.
United responded in the second term and kicked the sole major, however, the young outfit was unable to capitalise and injuries left it down on rotations.
The home side, led by on-baller Mitch Elliott, skilful mover Billy Cooper and reliable duo Chris Ryan and Tom Sullivan, was able to break the shackles in the third term with another four-goal quarter.
The game then opened up in the last quarter where Tatura piled on six majors.
Ed Adams battled hard for the Demons, along with Sheldon Bogdan and Adam Pigatto.
Inside 50 numbers were plentiful for both sides, but the difference came through Tatura’s use of the ball and its efficiency entering the forward line.
Tatura was benefited by the inclusion of three VFL talents, former Bulldog Sean Martin, Kuiy Jiath and Mutaz El Nour.
Martin and El Nour were rock solid in defence — the latter even showcased his abundance of skill with a classy aerial mark and goal in the last quarter.
Kirby was pleased that his charges were able to rectify their poor outing against Shepparton Swans in the previous round.
“Our game against the Swans was really disappointing because we had no effort whatsoever,” he said.
“But our intent and effort was up yesterday.
“Obviously it helped having those three boys (Martin, Jiath, El Nour) in the side. They gave the rest of the group a lot of spark and enthusiasm and they gave the group confidence.
“But as much as they helped I thought everyone in the side played their role and contributed.”
The win was a delight to the Bulldogs’ faithful who braved the wintry conditions on Saturday.
“I’m just super happy that we could get the win for the players and the supporters,” Kirby said.
“It’s massive for the club. The supporters are there week-in and week-out and we know it’s going to be a hard year, so I’m happy we could get a win for them.”