TYNTYNDER proved they will be a much-improved outfit in 2024, defeating Cohuna by two points in a thrilling finish.
The 10.11 (71) to 10.9 (69) victory was the first for new coach Jack O’Rourke, who took over the reins from Josh Stone after a four-win season last year, giving the Bulldogs faithful early belief that they are on the right path.
Very little separated the two sides all afternoon, with neither able to break clear.
Zac Denham proved the hero for the home side, with the forward receiving a late free kick inside 50 in the dying minutes and holding his nerve to put his team back in front.
After jumping to a one-goal lead by the first change, Tyntynder then extended the margin to 12 points by half-time, before a three-goal-to-one third term from Cohuna levelled the scores up.
The final 30 minutes was played at breakneck speed, with neither side giving an inch as the momentum continuously swung.
The sight of favourite sons Marcus Wattie and Kayle Kirby was a welcome sight for Tyntynder supporters.
Wattie showed his trademark flair through the middle and Kirby booted three goals.
Elliott Broad was influential down back for Tyntynder in a best-on-ground performance and was well supported by Cayden Crowe, Roy George, Harry Simpson, Zac Denham and reigning Bulldogs best-and-fairest Matthew Gillbee.
For Cohuna, Christopher Anderson was among their better players, the Kangas ruckman getting the better of Tyntynder’s big men Justin Ellis and Cameron Cook.
Ryan Semmel was also dominant through the midfield and up forward to finish with three goals in his first game in purple.
Dylan Johnstone was another solid contributor, booting four goals from full forward, while Xavier Mitchell, William Lee and Brenton Conforti played their role down back to perfection.
The other positive was the form of new coach Jack Geary, who showed his class around the contest.
Jackson Williams’ return for his home club was cut short, however, when the midfielder injured his hamstring, placing him in doubt for the home game against rivals Koondrook-Barham this Saturday.
Tyntynder will go in as underdogs when they travel to Kerang to face the reigning premiers.
FINAL SIREN
| TYNTYNDER | 3.3 | 6.7 | 7.8 | 10.11 | 71 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COHUNA KANGAS | 2.3 | 4.7 | 7.8 | 10.9 | 69 |
VOTES
3 – Elliott Broad (Tyntynder)
2 – Christopher Anderson (Cohuna)
1 – Cayden Crowe (Tyntynder)
