Mansfield enters its week off with a commanding 9-3 record following its classy win over Shepparton United on Saturday.
Although the Eagles celebrated an 83-point triumph, they were made to work hard by the bottom-ranked opponent in the Goulburn Valley League round 12 encounter.
Mansfield’s ability to hurt the Demons on the scoreboard from turnovers, along with its even spread of contributors, ensured a 17.18 (120) to 4.13 (37) win.
Mansfield coach Chad Owens was impressed with what United brought to the High Country clash, highlighting the Dees’ ability to make his players defend in transition.
“They (Shepparton United) play better than what their scores show. I was impressed with what I saw from them and I think Paul (Serra) is doing a good job,” Owens said.
“They’re super quick and they take the game on and really make you defend. They just turn the ball over a lot but they’re a young side and they just probably need a couple of bigger bodies.”
A quick glance at the match’s leading statistics shows United was well and truly up for the fight.
Despite Mansfield dominating the inside 50 count (57 to 38) and hit-outs (57 to 27), United was able to match and beat the Eagles in clearances, tackles and contested possessions.
One of the glaring figures from the match was Mansfield’s ability to punish the Demons on turnovers.
Owens’ outfit kicked 13 goals from direct turnovers to finish the match with 86 points from turnovers — compared to United’s 27.
Eagles onballer Brett Mahoney found plenty of the ball with 33 disposals, along with 17 contested possessions.
Mahoney chalked up eight clearances, six tackles, nine inside 50s and kicked a goal.
Meanwhile, United young gun and Carlton VFL talent Zavier Maher had a strong outing in his old junior colours.
Maher gathered 27 touches, seven clearances, nine tackles and finished his best-on game off with a goal.
Owens praised the work by gut-running utility Jono Aujard, who was his side’s top performer.
The winger’s ability to “run all day” allowed him to gather 15 disposals, four inside 50s and a goal.
Ross Brown was “solid down back” and talented ruckman Tom McDonagh racked up a remarkable 50 hit-outs despite sitting out the last term.
Owens said his side would enjoy having a week off now before round 13’s clash against Rochester.
“We’ve had a pretty big five weeks and so the boys deserve to have a week off,” he said.
“It’s nice for all of us to have a bit of a break and reset before the next block of matches. It would have been nice if we didn’t drop that game to Seymour, but we head in with a 9-3 record, which we’re really happy with.”