St Joseph’s coach Ron Watt has hailed his team’s 91-point win over previously unbeaten Bell Park as its best since the opening round of the 2023 season.
Joeys held the Dragons goalless in the opening quarter to lead by 19 points at the first change at Hamlyn Park before putting the result beyond doubt with an eight-goal-to-three second term that extended the margin by 51 points.
They kicked a further eight goals while restricting the home
“It was pretty relentless pressure,” Watt said.
“It was one of those days where the boys were just up for it, and they don’t want to concede any contest.
“It was just nice to watch them drive themselves.”
Watt says St Joseph’s was keen for the challenge of playing another unbeaten team.
“It doesn’t matter who it is, but if a team is four or five games into a season and hasn’t been beaten, you go, ‘Alright. Let’s test ourselves here and see what they’ve got and see what they bring’,” Watt said.
“They were certainly up-and-about for it.
“The last couple of weeks, we’ve played South Barwon and Newtown, and they’ve been up for the challenge.
“But, I think we’ve only played half games both those days.
“Enough to win comfortably, but today was relentless.
“These are the days you love coaching.”
Werribee-listed St Joseph’s ruck Oli Northam made the most of the absence of star Bell Park big man Ollie Bridgewater.
Watt labelling Northam’s performance “outstanding”.
“Not only did he win the majority of (ruck) taps, he followed the ball up and he ran with the ball from the contest on a number of occasions.
“He was big, he was strong, he was good in the air.
“He was the ruthless with the pressure he put on the opposition.”
The only negative for Joeys was star defender Jack Buckley ending the day in a moon boot with a foot problem.
“We believe it’s some sort of stress fracture, but we won’t know until he goes and has a scan during next week,” Watt said.
“We’ll give him as much time as he needs because he’s a super-important player.
“Everyone’s very excited when he gets the ball in hand.
“I think opposition supporters like him with ball in hand because he’s an excitement machine.”
Reigning Rookie of the Year Hunter Lewis kicked a game-high four goals, while Paddy DeGrandi, Oscar Morrison and Jack Mullen each kicked three.
In his first GFNL senior game for Bell Park, VFL-listed former Geelong AFL player Osca Riccardi kicked two goals, as did Willson Mack.
Ben Worme and second-gamer Jacob Nihill were named best for the Dragons.
Elsewhere today, a career-high six goals from Geelong West veteran Pat Eastman was the highlight of the Giants’ 139-point win over St Albans at St Albans Reserve.
The contest was over by quarter time, with West kicking 8.3 to 1.0 on its way to a 25.14 (164) to 3.7 (25) result.
Lachie Horniblow kicked four goals for the second time this season, making the most of the midfield dominance of Emmanuel Ajang, Tanner Lovell and Ethan Liddle.
Harrison Cockerell kicked two goals for St Albans, with Zac Larkins and Bailey Brogden fighting hard in a losing cause.
Elsewhere today, St Mary’s overcame a 31-point quarter-time deficit to maintain its perfect start to 2024 by beating South Barwon by 15 points, 13.9 (87) to 11.6 (72)
Brayden Ham, Matt Keast, Zak Sherman and Elijah Wales kicked two goals apiece for the Saints. Fraser Fort booted four majors for the Swans and young ruck Ben Kellett contributed three.
Newtown & Chilwell ensured Matt McMahon’s 250th game was one to remember as it booted 17 goals to seven in the second half to overcome Lara in an old-fashioned shootout at Elderslie Resreve.
With scores level at half-time, the Towners responded with ten-goal burst in the third quarter to wrest control away from the visitors.
Luke Maddock kicked a career-best six goals, Flynn Young returned from Werribee VFL to contribute five, and Charlie Harris kicked four in a best-on-ground performance.
Dylan Jose took his career tally to 99 goals with four majors for Lara.
Adam Garner exploded for eight goals as Colac made light work of North Shore at Central Reserve.
The Tigers belted the Seagulls to to the tune of 120 points, 24.11 (155) to 5.5 (35).
Dustin Walters played a handy supporting role with five majors, with Chaise Murray and Aaron Hawker also standouts.
Harry Purcell kicked two goals for North Shore, whose best were Lachie Hayes and James Chadwick.
Reigning premier Leopold extended its lead at every change before claiming a 71-point victory over Grovedale at Memorial Park.
Tom Feely and Tate Porter impressed in the midfield, with Connor Giddings kicking four goals.
Harrison Whyte was the lone multiple goalkicker for the Tigers with two.
X: @krockfootball
