Calder Cannons have opened their premiership defending campaign with a convincing 52 point victory over Northern Knights at Visy Park on Sunday.
The season opener was a high scoring affair and ultimately the Cannons triumphed 23.12 (150) to 14.8 (92).
The first quarter went goal for goal as Calder led by five points at the first break, before they extended their lead to 26 points in the second quarter.
The Knights, however hit back with three straight goals to Ricky Mullins, Nathan Hrovat and Dylan Buckley to close the margin to only seven points at the half.
After the half, Calder came out with a rush by converting four unanswered goals and applied the pressure to the Knights, including two in a row to Josh Burgess who was the major goal kicker on the day with five.
Calder played a polished game of football which allowed their forwards to receive the ball in plenty of open space.
Calder coach Martin Allison recognises the importance of continuing to develop his game plan, after two successful years as TAC Cup premiers.
“Last year we had a terrific midfield, this year our strength is either back or forward,” Allison said.
“It’s probably more about trying to manufacture some really quick entries into our forward half to give our forwards greater opportunity to be one out.”
Allison was impressed by his bottom age players including Jonathan O’Rourke, Lachlan Plowman and Andrew Gallucci (four goals) who provided a spark.
Experienced players such as Thomas Sheridan and Brandon Ellis added their class in the midfield, and were among their team’s best.
For the Knights Nathan Hrovat kicked three goals, Douglas Morris was prolific in the midfield and Dylan Buckley demonstrated his trademark dash.
Again the Cannons look a force to be reckoned with in the competition, and it remains to be seen whether the Knights will be competitive this year despite a first up loss.
In other games, Oakleigh Chargers had a big first up win against the Eastern Ranges by 103 points.
For Oakleigh Sebastian Gotch was named best as he kicked four goals, while Eastern forward Jonathan Patton put his name up in lights with five goals.
While in the late game, Sandringham comfortably accounted for the Jets by 40 points.
By Ben Guthrie
Northern Knights
Goal Kickers:N. Hrovat 3, N. Maric 2, D. Buckley 2, W. Gleeson , S. Bolger , A. Bonaddio , J. Newnes , R. Mullins , J. Kroussoratis , D. Morris
Best Players: N. Hrovat, D. Morris, T. Totevski, W. Gleeson, D. Buckley, J. Kroussoratis
Calder Cannons
Goal Kickers: J. Burgess 5, A. Gallucci 4, D. Markworth 3, O. Uysal 3, B. Ellis 2, L. Plowman , D. Bugeja , T. Sheridan , P. Sahlberg , O. Allouch , F. Dale
Best Players: T. Sheridan, B. Ellis, D. Markworth, O. Uysal, A. Gallucci, J. Burgess
Last Modified on 28/03/2011 06:31