A 13-goal to one first half has seen Tooleybuc-Manangatang climb back into the top five, with the Saints recording a dominant 98-point win over an injury depleted Swan Hill on Saturday.
The Saints blew the Swans away in the first half, with Connor Mcdonald and Josh Williams once again starring for the home side.
Missing coach Michael Herlihy with a season ending knee injury, the Swans were thoroughly outplayed from the opening minutes, with Tooleybuc-Manangatang taking full advantage with six opening quarter goals helping them open up a 36-point lead at the first change.
It didn’t get much better after the break, with the Saints piling on seven unanswered goals in the second term, with Williams taking control across half back and Mcdonald dominating in the ruck, which enabled the home team to control the clearances.
With a 79-point lead at half time, the signs were ominous for Swan Hill ahead of the second half.
The visitors responded after the main break however, with the Swans tightening up around the contest which enabled them to get their hands on the ball more consistently.
Despite the much-improved display in the second half, the Saints continued to outscore Swan Hill, eventually running out comfortable 19.21 (135) to 5.7 (37) winners.
While happy with his team’s performance after half time, Swan Hill coach Michael Herlihy lamented his side’s start to the game when talking post-match.
“We turned the ball over at crucial parts again in the first half,” Herlihy said.
“We were second to the ball as well and they (Tooleybuc-Manangatang) capitalised on this.
“Second half, we were much improved and moved the ball better to give our forwards a better chance.
“I think we kept them to six goals in the second half as opposed to 13 in the first half, so it was pleasing we didn’t throw in the towel.”
Reigning Jack Betts Medallist Connor Mcdonald continued his strong start to the season and proved why he is considered the leading big man in the Central Murray, giving his midfielders Josh Domaille, Blake Grant and Gareth Grant first use around the stoppages, as well as dominating in the air around the ground.
Josh Williams was the other key player for the Saints, with his move to half back continuing to pay dividends with his ability to intercept mark helping to set up many attacking forays in the first half.
Josh Domaille was also dominant and played perhaps his best game since returning to his junior club, while youngsters Rydar Morris and Zach Prentice found plenty of the ball and were among Tooleybuc-Manangatang’s better players in encouraging signs for the future.
Connor Nutting led the way up forward with four goals, with 10 individual goal scorers hitting the scoreboard for the Saints, with just Will Simpson (two goals), Kallen Heslop (two) and Cooper Angus (one) the only Swan Hill players to split the big sticks, highlighting the difference between the two clubs.
Angus and Simpson were both among the better players for Swan Hill, along with defenders Tom Corridan, Tom Holdstock and Brenton Halligan, with Perry Roberts working tirelessly in the ruck against Mcdonald but ultimately unable to curb his influence.
Tooleybuc-Manangatang will meet Koondrook-Barham this Saturday in what looms as an early battle for a top five berth between two of the Central Murray’s most-improved teams this season, while Swan Hill will have the bye before hosting the Raiders in a fortnight’s time.
SCORES
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Score |
| Tooleybuc-Mangangatang | 6.7 | 13.11 | 16.19 | 19.21 | 139 |
| Swan Hill | 1.1 | 1.4 | 2.6 | 5.7 | 37 |
VOTES
3 – Connor Mcdonald (Tooleybuc-Manangatang)
2 – Josh Williams (Tooleybuc-Manangatang)
1 – Josh Domaille (Tooleybuc-Manangatang)
