Mooroopna mentor John Lamont praised the performance of his side’s young defenders following an emphatic win under lights against Shepparton Swans on Saturday, April 16.
The Cats notched up their second win of the Goulburn Valley League campaign with the 69-point demolition of the Swans at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve.
Following a frantic and high-octane first term — where just the one goal was kicked — the Cats flexed their muscles and owned the contest.
Strong clearance work, along with quick ball-movement and a stingy defence saw the Cats pencil in a 17.11 (113) to 6.8 (44) win.
“It was on early, there was plenty of speed but I thought we really controlled it after quarter time,” Lamont said.
“Then we got right on top with some great pressure.
“Our stoppage work and ball movement were consistent and we had a good spread of goalkickers and score assist players.”
Talented small utility Lucas Caccaviello starred with five majors, while young gun Darcy Russell chipped in with a classy four-goal outing.
The night was memorable for Mooroopna juniors Toby Williams and Aiden Basile, who both made their debuts in the win.
Williams topped off the outing with a goal.
In a team performance that made it hard to “single out best players”, Lamont highlighted the effort from his side’s back six.
Youngsters Isaac Dowling, Dom Gugliotti, Jack Lear, Oscar Lear-Camci and former under-18s coach Lachie Devine, all earned Lamont’s praise.
“Our backline is virtually made up of Mooroopna youngsters who all started in Auskick,” he said.
“Credit for bringing them through must go to the previous coaching group led by Dale Osborne, Travis Waters, Jason Whittaker and current player Lachie (Devine) who coached our under-18s for a couple of years.
“They made some changes in late 2019 that was the beginning of this playing group’s development.
“I’m now lucky enough to have a group of committed youngsters who are serious about their football, but not taking themselves too seriously if that makes sense (they’re) trying to play their best football and have a good time while doing it.”
Swans recruit Zac Banch was judged best-on for the visitors thanks to his three majors.
Midfield bull Quade Johnstone and Zac Clohesy rounded out the Swans’ better players.