“We’re winning ugly, but that’s okay because we’re winning.”
It’s a statement tinged with slight discontent, but Mansfield coach Chad Owens cannot argue the Eagles’ 20-point win over Shepparton Swans on Saturday was dressed with the hallmarks of a side destined to go deep into finals.
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Lining up: Shepparton Swans’ Diesel Batey. Photo by Max StainkamphImage 2 of 8
On the money: Mansfield’s Ben Christopher. Photo by Max StainkamphImage 3 of 8
Aerial duel: Swans’ Ben Gilberto Mansfield’s Jack Tomanvotis contest the ruck. Photo by Max StainkamphImage 4 of 8
Listen up: Shepparton Swans coach Jedd Wright addresses his troops during the quarter time huddle. Photo by Max StainkamphImage 5 of 8
Up we go: Swans’ Rylen Damianopolous. Photo by Max StainkamphImage 6 of 8
Monster grab: Swans' Kurtis Dixon takes a towering mark. Photo by Max StainkamphImage 7 of 8
Through the hands: Mansfield’s Colby Croxford-Demasi. Photo by Max StainkamphImage 8 of 8
Max power: Mansfield’s Max Mahoney celebrates after kicking a goal. Photo by Max StainkamphAn ‘ugly’ label could well be placed on Mansfield’s kicking accuracy, sure, however, the midfield play from Owens’ engine room specialists and overall determination to see out the result was far from unsightly during the 12.14 (86) to 10.6 (66) Goulburn Valley League win.
“Our midfield group I was really impressed with; Tom McDonagh absolutely dominated in the ruck, Paddy Marks and the two Dale brothers in the midfield were fantastic,” Owens said.
“We got off to a good start, but we’re kicking inaccurately at the moment which is really hurting us.
“Three weeks in a row we’ve kicked more points than goals ― we’re missing easy shots on goal and it’s keeping people in games.”
In a glorious return to Princess Park following its extensive flood damage, Swans president Jarrod Sutherland addressed a healthy home crowd before the players took to the field.
The Swans’ faithful would soon be stifled as Mansfield’s Jayden Howes kicked the opener from long range, and continual pressure on the home side’s half-back line made it near impossible for the Swans to break out into attack.
Eagles’ young gun Max Mahoney made the most of a 50m penalty to have Mansfield two goals ahead, but the Swans countered with a one-two punch combo to trail by a few points.
The teams continued to trade blows throughout the remainder of the first quarter, with the Swans edging ahead at the first break courtesy of a dribbling effort from Zac Clohesy late on.
Mansfield’s main man Patrick Marks came alive in the second term, penetrating with force through the middle, while Ben Christopher got to work up forward and slotted a pair of majors.
But the Swans were far from dead.
The interplay of Tyreece Collison and Liam Rachele got backsides off seats as the host blitzed into the lead with a trifecta of goals in short succession, fully showcasing their pace and power which Mansfield had trouble reining in.
The visitors would snag the first of a cagey fourth quarter, and though accuracy continued to lack on the scoring front, Mansfield pushed through to seal its second narrow win in as many weeks.
Owens said while his side still had plenty more gears to shift up to, each game marks a week closer to what an Eagles’ end product should look like.
“Our first three games we haven’t hit our straps, but there’s been lots and lots of good signs,” he said.
“At the moment we’re not playing anywhere near our best footy, we’re just lacking chemistry.
“I think when that clicks we’ll be okay, it’s just a matter of getting to know each other a little bit better on and off the field.”