REIGNING premiers Kerang claimed bragging rights over new premiership rival Balranald with an eight-point win on Saturday afternoon.
It was a day of celebrations for the Blues, and not just because their sixth win of the season left them the only undefeated side.
The milestones included Troy Coates’ 200th, Marty Kelly’s 100th, Josh Nitschke’s 100th and Michael Dalrymple’s 50th senior games in Blues colours.
In a low scoring affair, Balranald were able to hold the Blues goalless in the first and third quarters, but were unable to take full advantage kicking with the wind.
It was the Blues’ second term that proved to be the difference, piling on five goals to one and opening up a 14-point lead at the main break.
That wasn’t the only game-altering detail to come out of the second term however, with Roos spearhead Ben Fuller leaving the field just before half time and not returning.
With Fuller off, Balranald kept Kerang scoreless in the third term to set up a grandstand finish, but the home side responded to record a 7.4 (46) to 5.8 (38) win in trying conditions.
Kerang coach Coates spoke after the game, not only pleased to get the four points, but also aware there was plenty of work still to do ahead of this year’s finals series.
“It was a big day for the club, with all the milestone games as well, and the boys really stood up and played some great footy,” Coates said.
“We had a bit of a focus on playing with freedom and playing the brand of footy that we know holds up well.
“I’ve seen our boys stand up against good opposition time and again and we always take the game on.
“They have an elite midfield and we knew if our midfielders could hold their own against their key onballers then we’d beat them on the outside, which we did at the end of the day.
“I don’t think I’ve won too many games with just seven goals in what were dry conditions, they played a very man-on-man style of game and tried to shut it down, but we’ll know that for next time we meet.
“We can prepare for what they’ll be bringing to the table, they seem to be a defence-first side so it was good to have a look at them and have a look at their recruits.”
While Fuller’s absence hurt Balranald and their ability to hit the scoreboard, Kerang also had their share of significant injuries, with Marty Kelly injuring a finger which may see him spend some time on the sidelines, despite playing out the game.
While the Blues have staked their claim as the team to beat in 2023, they won’t have time to rest, set to face another blockbuster encounter with Woorinen this Saturday, while Balranald will host a resurgent Swan Hill in a match that shapes as a danger game at home.
FINAL SIREN
| KERANG | 0.2 | 5.4 | 5.4 | 7.4 | 46 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BALRANALD | 2.1 | 3.2 | 4.6 | 5.8 | 38 |
VOTES
3 – Troy Davis (Kerang)
2 – Jaxon Neagle (Balranald)
1 – Adam Hunter (Kerang)
