KEY forward Ben Fuller had an immediate impact in his return from injury to lead Balranald to their first win of the season.
After missing the first four rounds with a hamstring injury, Fuller booted eight goals in a match-winning performance, as the Roos defeated Koondrook-Barham by 36 points.
The Roos took the lead in the opening minute of the game and led at every change to record a strong 14.10 (94) to 9.4 (58) win.
Fuller was unstoppable in the opening quarter, pulling in five contested marks and kicking three goals in a sign of what was ahead for the afternoon.
Both teams were plagued by turnovers throughout the game, with the strong wind making skill execution difficult.
The visitors not only benefitted from the presence of Fuller deep forward, but Braden Price was also providing a strong marking target across half forward for Balranald. Their dominance allowed the Roos to play more direct football – but it also gave their midfielders the confidence to move the ball forward with speed.
While neither side reached any great heights with their skill level – one aspect of the game that couldn’t be questioned was their attack on the footy and pressure around the contest, with players from both sides constantly putting their bodies on the line.
Funnily enough, the first three quarters were all played to a similar tune – Balranald would jump out of the blocks and dominate both possession and on the scoreboard for the first 20 minutes, before the home side would peg them back late in red time as the young Roos started to run out of legs.
Six of Koondrook-Barham’s eight majors to three quarter time came in time on of the opening three terms – but unfortunately for the Raiders, there would be no repeat in the final quarter, with the visitors scoring the last four unanswered goals to end the match.
While Fuller was influential deep forward, so too was Balranald co-coach Jydon Neagle, who was a class above everyone else on the field. His run off half back and ability to bring his teammates into the game with his sublime foot skills was impressive to watch – and he was the one who helped break the game open when it was at its hottest after the main break.
Josh Hodgson was brilliant down back for the Roos – especially in the third quarter – and was unlucky not to feature in the votes, while Colin Andrews, Ned Lay, Jordan Weekly, Jarryd Stead and Tom Salau could also be well pleased with their afternoon’s work.
For Koondrook-Barham, Jake Dick-O’Flaherty – like Neagle – showed that he can be a class above. Despite a heavy knock in the first quarter, Dick-O’Flaherty played out the game and was instrumental not only with kicking a team high three goals – but with his speed and ability to break the lines and carry the football.
Kye Attwell, in just his second game for the season, was a great focal point down forward for the Raiders and will be better for the run – while skipper Pat Goble, Jack Shannon and Blake Watts were also strong contributors for their team.
VOTES
3 – Jydon Neagle (Balranald)
2 – Ben Fuller (Balranald)
1 – Jake Dick-O’Flaherty (Koondrook-Barham)
MATCH RESULTS
KOONDROOK-BARHAM 3.0 5.1 8.2 9.4.58
BALRANALD 4.2 6.4 10.6 14.10.94
GOALS – KOONDROOK-BARHAM – Jake Dick-O’Flaherty 3, Kye Attwell 2, Jacob Barrington, Josh Hale, Warren Lolicato, Colin Mcveigh 1.
BALRANALD – Ben Fuller 8, Jake Lockhart 2, Colin Andrews, Seth Connell, Drew Lloyd, Ryan Middlebrook 1.
BEST – KOONDROOK-BARHAM – Jack Shannon, Jacob Barrington, Kye Attwell, Max Baldissera, Reagan Hamilton, Jake Dick-O’Flaherty
BALRANALD – Jydon Neagle, Jordan Weekley, Benjamin Fuller, Tom Salau, Josh Hodgson, Jordan Wilkins
