AN early warning shot was blasted across the Central Murray Football Netball League by Woorinen’s 45-point Good Friday dismantling of reigning grand-finalists Cohuna.
The Tigers’ pressure was relentless, with their tackling and ferocity towards the contest bordering on elite.
Tigers senior coach Marcus Demaria told The Guardian it was gratifying to see the culmination of a summer of hard yakka come off on the field.
“It was a very pleasing afternoon – the guys have put in a heap of work across the pre-season and I thought we prepared really well for the game,” he said.
“I was a bit worried when the rain started, with their bigger bodies, but our guys were amazing and to see, in even those last five minutes when the game was over, we still maintained that pressure is incredibly pleasing.”
Missing small midfielder-forward Patrick Veszpremi – whose groin injury is expected to keep him out for another month – it was up to the other Tiger smalls Daniel Mase, William Collicoat, Robbie Miller and Danko Bzenic to pick up the slack.
They looked dangerous all day with new recruit Bzenic a class above when thrown forward, finishing as the only multiple goalkicker of the afternoon with three to lead his new club to the 3.5 (23) to 9.14 (68) victory.
The Tigers are well known for their pressure and contested footy based game, and while it will be tough to stay at the level of intensity they displayed every week, if they can bring their best when it counts fellow premiership rivals such as Kerang and Balranald will have their work cut out.
Demaria highlighted the importance his side puts on pressure.
“It was just relentless today and it’s one thing we always pride ourselves on,” he said.
“We have a defence-first attitude, so if we can chase, tackle, harass and check players running into space, our attack will take care of itself.
“To execute that on a big ground and close down the space at Cohuna is a good sign for us.”
It wasn’t the start to the season Kangas fans were hoping for.
The weather gods didn’t look kindly on their team, with the constant rain stifling their running and attacking brand of footy.
While the Tigers’ pressure and weather played a significant role, the Kangas appeared to lack cohesion, with their litany of new recruits still getting used to the new surroundings.
There were promising signs for the new recruits, though.
Missing star defender Jake Hammond, his brother Nathan was one of the Kangas’ best and will create many headaches for opposition forwards in 2023.
The signs were there early on, with the Tigers leading by 20 points at the first change.
By the main break, this lead was lengthened to 36 points.
Young star Robert Rush put together a half to remember on the far wing of Cohuna Recreation Reserve with the speedy Tiger’s cleanliness and foot skills well beyond his age for someone in the conditions.
“He’s come along a lot,” Demaria said.
“His ability to break the lines is fantastic – there were a couple of times he was out of position but took the ball cleanly and got us out of trouble.
“I know the opposition feels more nervous when he’s around with his pace.”
The Kangas evened the contest in the third, but the damage was already done with the Tigers kicking a couple of party-time goals to blow the lead out in the final term.
Jye Barry was easily the best afield, with the star midfielder’s clean hands making it seem he was playing in different conditions than everyone else.
While Barry’s exploits are expected week in, week out, it was a new signing who excited Tigers fans most in Dylan Godwin.
Godwin’s run off half-back is set to be key, with Demaria labelling him as an “incredible find.”
Both sides will rest up this week before returning to the park in round 2 on April 22.
The Tigers face tricky opponents in Tyntynder at home, while the Kangas will expect to bounce back at Koondrook-Barham.
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VOTES
3 Jye Barry
2 Robert Rush
1 Dylan Godwin
