It was another week, another dominant performance by Avenel in the Kyabram District League as it appears the premiership is its to lose after 12 rounds.
Welcoming second-placed Murchison-Toolamba to Avenel Recreation Reserve, the Swans were rocking from the opening siren, keeping the Hoppers goalless for the entire first half on their way to a crushing 14.15 (99) to 7.10 (52) victory.
Avenel is now sitting two games clear on top of the ladder and beginning to play its best football, and coach Kasey Duncan said it was a performance his team should be very proud of at the weekend.
“It was a really pleasing performance. Especially being able to keep them goalless in the first half, it shows our back six in particular is playing some very strong footy,” Duncan said.
“Lachie Watts was super and young Chayce Thomson was unbelievable in doing the job on their big forwards, and from that our midfield through Mitch Tobin was able to get on top and give us enough scoring opportunities.”
Avenel cruised into half-time with a 35-point advantage, but a 15-minute lapse opened the door for the Hoppers, who capitalised with five unanswered goals to put the Swans under pressure.
But as all good sides do, Avenel produced a swift response, getting on top around the ball and converting its opportunities to once again build a commanding lead.
“Things did get a bit hairy in the third term when they managed to kick five on the trot,” Duncan said.
“We went away from our team footy and got a bit ahead of ourselves in not doing those nitty gritty things and applying that pressure for 10 or so minutes.
“But to the boys’ credit we managed to compose ourselves, get back to our game style and from midway through the third term onwards we proceeded to dominate the game.”
Along with their excellent work defensively, the Swans were buoyed by an array of different goal-kickers, showing just how versatile their forward set-up is, highlighted by three-goal hauls to Hayden Heta and Jack Myers.
Duncan said it was fantastic to see so many players contribute on the scoreboard.
“We just look to get the ball deep and, if not, we just find that best option which results in a lot of guys getting scoring opportunities,” he said.
“Guys like Michael McKenzie coming from the wing and kicking two goals, it shows we have multiple people that can have an impact which I think puts us in good stead.”
Avenel now prepares for yet another one-versus-two clash this weekend as it travels to Stanhope to face an in-form Lions outfit.
Nagambie flexed its muscles against a struggling Longwood, dominating from start to finish to come away with a 32.21 (233) to 5.3 (33) victory.
Jonathan Moore was the star in the win that catapulted the Lakers back up in to eighth spot, booting seven goals, while Nick Glentzes chipped in with five and Blake Fothergill and Blake Laverie booted four apiece.
Elsewhere, Stanhope triumphed over Shepparton by four points in a thriller at Central Park Recreation Reserve.
Dookie United recorded a hard-fought 11-point win over Tallygaroopna, Girgarre enjoyed a thrilling four-point win over Undera on its home deck, Lancaster triumphed by five points in a heartstopper over Violet Town and Merrigum rounded out the weekend’s action with a thumping 180-point win over Rushworth.