Avenel kick-started its Kyabram District League campaign with a gutsy six-point win against fierce rival Nagambie on Saturday.
Spectators were treated to another thrilling grudge match between the old foes, one which ended in the Swans going home with bragging rights.
In windy conditions at Nagambie Recreation Reserve, Avenel withstood a late charge from the hosts to chalk up win number one for 2022.
And it was a couple of the Swans’ star off-season recruits who starred in the 10.11 (71) to 9.11 (65) victory.
Tim Karolidis was best-on ground for his contested ball work across the ground, while gun forward Tim Brook had a day out with five majors.
Avenel coach Kasey Duncan, who watched on from the sidelines due to injury, was pleased to come away with the points.
“The boys had to battle a fair bit. We knew it was going to be a real scrap, but we’ll take the four points over our arch-rival,” he said.
“The wind caused havoc for most of the game. It really picked up at the end there and made it pretty difficult to go forward.
“It wasn’t a great day out but I’m still really proud of the boys’ effort to hang on at the end.”
Avenel dominated most of the first half of the contest.
With a 10-point lead at the first break, Avenel was able to extend that margin out to five goals due to Brook’s prowess in front of goals.
A handful of his goals came against the breeze, with one 40m set shot a highlight.
But halfway through the second term the host side started to claw back the contest to trail by two points at the main break.
Trent Laverie, talented ruckman Jono Moore and Blake Fothergill helped wrestle momentum back in Nagambie’s favour.
With the wind behind them, the Swans responded with a 3.5 to 0.0 third term.
It set up a war of attrition in the final term.
Players dropped like flies due to cramps as Nagambie edged closer, but a wayward 2.7 final term saw it fall short.
Duncan said although it was a good way to start the campaign, a host of errors took away the polish from the win.
“Sometimes it was simple errors and turnovers that hurt us,” he said.
“We lacked a bit of two-way running which I think just comes down to a lack of effort, but it’s round one, they’re easily fixable those things.
“It was good to walk away with the four points.”
Injuries to Nick Goodwin (calf) and Cael McCarthy (shoulder) further soured the win for Duncan’s outfit.
Despite the negatives, Duncan was pleased with the efforts of his side’s top performers.
Karolidis, defender Daniel Clarke, midfielder Braydon Avola and Brook all earned praise from the Swans mentor.
“Tim (Karolidis) was unbelievable all day for us. He was a bull in the midfield,” Duncan said.
“Daniel and Lachie (Watts) were really good across half-back and Braydon was super as always and worked hard.
“Tim (Brook) was a powerhouse up forward and was a constant option for us.
“He showed he can kick them from anywhere and he’s going to be pretty good to watch this year.”
On the netball court, Nagambie kicked off its campaign with a stellar win over Avenel.
The Lakers looked in total control on their home deck and ran away with a 66-35 victory.
Goalers Rylee Alderton and Sharni Lloyd worked well as a duo and benefited from the superb defensive work from their teammates up the court.