Shepparton United has shown tablespoons of heart to earn its first four points since round one, toppling an inefficient Rochester at Deakin Reserve.
The Demons’ gumption had it prevail by 13 points, kicking an even 9.9 to send the Tigers packing after they kicked an astonishing 5.20 in Goulburn Valley League.
Winning coach Duane Hueston described the post-match setting as being filled with ‘‘relief’’ after breaking an eight-week spell without victory.
“It was a bit of relief for hard work ― the last three weeks on the training track we’ve been working really hard,” he said.
“We started really well against Rochester and our intensity was there and we were able to hold on.
“Behind the scenes a fair few things have been going on that people outside of the four walls aren’t privy to outside of football.
“The boys are dealing with a fair bit, they’re fighting on and they’re supporting each other really well.
“We realise that there’s bigger things other than a game of football and at the moment are supporting each other through some things.”
United had the jump from the off, outscoring Rochester by two goals to hold a handy lead at the first break.
Adam Pigatto and Sheldon Bogdan had the difficult task of containing Tigers’ star on-baller Joe Atley, but held the ex-Essendon VFL man scoreless throughout the game.
Meanwhile, Riley Onley was exciting on debut for United at half-forward as the Victoria Country under-16 captain impressed Hueston and co with a number of eye-catching grabs high up the park.
In a strange third quarter a stifled United failed to register a point, but Rochester couldn’t capitalise as its six behinds left plenty of work to be done in the final term.
The cagey trend continued, however, the host was not going to let it slip as the Demons slotted another two goals to put the stamp on what was a memorable day for the club.
Marcus Wattie was immense for United, while young ruck Mitch Cricelli put in an admirable performance for the Tigers.