Drysdale has quickly put the disappointment of a narrow Easter Saturday loss to Queenscliff behind it with an impressive 63-point win over Portarlington at Drysdale Recreation Reserve.
The Hawks did most of the damage in the second half, kicking 9.10 to 2.3, to record a 15.18 (108) to 6.9 (45) victory and climb into the top five.
Coach Ben Carmichael says Drysdale was able to adapt with rain falling for much of the contest.
“We certainly had an emphasis on our contest work and just taking territory in those conditions, and we thought we did that really well,” he said.
“We had some guys behind the footy that set up the ground really well, so it was a pleasing effort.
“Benny Fennell, young Lachie Neils and James Breust were really strong around the footy.
“But, you know, some of the guys we had back in, like Luke Preece and Tim Delaney behind the footy, they structured us up really well, which was really good.”
Drysdale started the better of the two teams, leading by 21 points at quarter time.
However, Portarlington was able to eat into the margin and trail by 14 points at the main break.
Carmichael welcomed the chance to address his players at half-time.
“We said that they’re riding a bit of momentum from their first few weeks,” he said.
“And they’re actually a really good side, so just don’t feel the pressure that they have kicked a couple (of goals) in a row.
“It was a good time to get a break and reset, and just change a few little things.”
On his 33rd birthday, Tom Ruggles kicked two goals and was awarded the KC Purnell Medal as best-on-ground.
Captain Mitch McGuire finished with three goals in his return from injury.
Teia Miles and Tom Panuccio each kicked two goals for the Demons and were named their best.
Former Richmond and North Melbourne AFL player Connor Menadue may be facing time on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, Newcomb returned to the winners’ list following a 44-point win over Ocean Grove in a night game at Grinter Reserve, 15.11 (101) to 8.9 (57).
In the perfect start to the weekend, where the Power is celebrating its 50th year of existence, a five-goal haul from star forward Jack Duke proved the difference.
X: @krockfootball
