Hawks defeat Gulls as big crowd flocks to local derby

Footballers were greeted with more favourable conditions this weekend, but it didn’t stop some teams falling victim to the old-fashioned yips in front of goal.

In the EDFL, it was Buln Buln who caught it early and couldn’t shake it, at one point sitting 1.12 at three quarter time to kick themselves out of the contest against Lang Lang at Caldermeade Rd.

The Tigers didn’t miss a beat in the second term, with Clint Fulton taking full advantage of any ball that hit the deck, the small forward booting five goals to power his side to their maiden victory on their new turf.

Poowong suffered the same fate but fell on the right side of the list and despite kicking 20 behinds against Catani were able to steady late in the 56-point victory, Trevor Hooker the only Magpies’ forward to kick straight with three majors.

Nyora took on a spirited Yarragon side at home and again, were plagued by missed opportunities, seeing themselves tied with the Panthers at halftime despite having five more scoring shots.

They eventually found the middle of the big sticks to win by 20 points, but the 7.19 score line may see the Saints hit the track for some goal kicking practice before round three. 

Longwarry took on Nilma-Darnum in a match that many saw as being a done deal before the ball was bounced. However, the Bombers showed some fight, something they haven’t done as much in previous years and something coach Matt Shorey will hope to see more of as the season progresses.

While Longwarry lead at every change, the Bombers pressured the reigning premiers and forced them to work hard in the third term, before Riley Rundell and Kane Oldham got the ball moving quickly, breaking the game open, with Jason Wells again featuring in the goal kickers with another five to his name.

Trafalgar used a first half blitz to stave off a late fightback from Neerim Neerim South, one they’ll look to build on as they finally return home against Nyora, the new ground in spectacular condition for the official opening on Saturday.

A massive crowd flocked to Drouin for the annual Drouin vs Warragul clash on Sunday.

It was the biggest crowd Drouin has ever had at a home and away match. A calm, cool day ensured perfect conditions for playing and watching alike.

Drouin also recorded a strong win, defeating the Gulls by 29 points.

Garfield did something they hadn’t for a long time, defeating Nar Nar Goon at the Goon, the young Stars showing they have what it takes to push the good sides in the WGFNL this season in the slender seven-point win. 

Bunyip are also 2-0 after a dominant win over Koo Wee Rup, Brent Hues and Jackson Dalton on fire with five majors each to lead the Bulldogs.

One team that didn’t have the yips were the Dusties. They used a 19.7 score line to dominate Kilcunda-Bass at home for their first victory under new coach Harmit Singh, with an array of players hitting the scoreboard multiple times.

A forward masterclass from Hill End’s Chase Saunders saw him help lift his Rovers’ team over Boolarra in very comfortable fashion, booting nine goals in the 116-point thumping at home. Thorpdale fell to MDU by 63 points but continued to show some improvement on their 2019 campaign.