BALRANALD have confirmed they will be one of Central Murray’s big improvers in 2023, defeating last year’s finalists Tyntynder by 28 points.
While much of the pre-game hype surrounding the Roos centred on the return of Kobe Lloyd and the Neagle brothers, it was former Central Districts midfielder Ethan Gant who stole the limelight in the trying conditions.
Gant kicked two goals and had more than 30 disposals in a dominant midfield display that helped secure a 9.9 (63) to 4.11 (35) victory.
The Roos’ loss to Tyntynder in round 1 last year ultimately cost them a finals berth and with last season’s slow start still fresh in their minds, Balranald coach Jydon Neagle was more than pleased with the endeavour and intent this time.
“We spoke about our slow start to last season before the game and it was just really pleasing to see the way our guys just attacked the contest and went about their work to make sure we got the four points,” Neagle said.
“We just put our head over the ball and were first in at the contest. Obviously the conditions weren’t great, but being first to the ball enabled us to gain meters and helped us keep it in our forward half a lot more than them.
“We could have 18 best players, it was a typical whole team effort in the end really.”
Tyntynder weren’t without their chances, but were hurt by wayward kicking in front of goal.
While Gant, Matthew Neagle, Lloyd and Jack Salau were all strong contributors through the midfield for Balranald, along with Jordan Wilkins in the ruck, the Dogs were still able to break even in clearances and also finished the game with eight more inside 50s.
The problem for the home side was their inefficiency going forward, at times compounded by the intense pressure being placed on their midfielders by the Roos.
Josh Hodgson put in a strong performance opposed to Justin Ellis, with Ellis kicking just the one goal despite having a clear height advantage over the veteran Balranald defender.
At the other end of the ground, both Tate Hulland and Elliott Broad were resolute in defence for the Bulldogs, while Roy George and Matt Corney both put in strong first performances for their new club, along with Brock Storer and Mick Dedini.
Both Tyntynder and Balranald will face Woorinen in their next match, with the Roos enjoying the bye this weekend.
Neagle was happy that, despite a stop-start nature to the beginning of their season, the rest would give his side the best possible chance to be fully fit following a bruising encounter.
“We’ve got a few boys that are a bit sore, so having the bye this week won’t necessarily be a bad thing ahead of Woorinen in a fortnight’s time,” Neagle said.
“That game will give us a good indication of where we’re at – hopefully we can have a nicer day weather-wise and get a chance to have a proper hit-out.
“They’ve obviously had the wood over us for 10 or so years now and they’re also coming off a really good win, so it’ll be good to test ourselves against one of the competition’s leading sides early on.”
VOTES
3 – Ethan Gant (Balranald)
2 – Matthew Neagle (Balranald)
1 – Tate Hulland (Tyntynder)
