Any prospective coach considering applying for the vacant Lara position would do well to download the vision of the second quarter of Saturday’s 57-point win over North Shore at Bisinella Oval.
The Cats announced on Friday that the Shayne Stone-Devon Smith combination wouldn’t continue beyond this year.
Smith says the 16.16 (112) to 8.7 (55) victory was built on the young talent at the Snakepit.
“It’s really, really exciting, and they’re all homegrown talent as well,” Smith told krockfootball.live.
“There is definitely something to work with here.
“It’s harder for the clubs down the lower end… but you’ve got to fight your way out.”
After being held goalless in the opening term, the Cats slammed on a season-best eight goals in the second term to take control of the contest, with youngster Tom Gunter filling the void left by Mitch Day’s broken thumb.
Gunther kicked four goals in the rampage on his way to a career-best eight majors, whipping the vocal home crowd into a frenzy.
It followed three goals in the second half of last week’s win over St Albans.
“With Mitch with his thumb, (we) had to get someone down there,” he said.
“I was lucky to get a few last week to get us over the line, which was good.
“I cemented myself down there this week, I think.”
Gunther was the beneficiary of some impressive work in the midfield from Smith, Connor Linehan-Cunningham, and Bayley Cockerill.
“It was brilliant. Those boys were really good in there today,” he said.
“They fought it out all day. After quarter time, I think they really got on top.
“Most of the (forward 50) entries were pretty good, which was nice.”
Fellow forward Zekiah Davey was also a constant presence and was rewarded with a season-best three goals.
Ruck Ryan Bell kicked two final-term majors to give the South Barwon recruit multiple goals in a game for the first time.
Geelong Falcon Josh Sanders also impressed off half-back, while veteran defender Dan Weigl continued his good form.
Captain Jacob Miljevic kicked three goals for North Shore, while Nathan Arbon was again busy in the midfield.
A five-goal final quarter burst has helped Leopold maintain third spot on the ladder, overcoming Geelong West by 13 points at West Oval.
The reigning premier trailed by 24 points at half-time and 18 points at the final change.
However, they held the Giants to just four behinds in the last term to snatch a 14.11 (95) to 12.10 (82) victory.
Connor Giddings was among Leopold’s best in kicking four goals.
At the other end, Patty Eastman finished with five majors for West.
Colac has leapfrogged Bell Park to return to the top five following a 40-point win at Central Reserve.
The contest was tight at half-time, with the Tigers leading by just six points.
However, they broke the game open in the third term, posting 4.2 to 0.1 before cruising to a 15.10 (100) to 9.6 (60) victory.
Adam Garner maintained his lead at the top of the GFNL goal-kicking table, moving to 49 with a four-goal haul. Teammate Darcy Lang also kicked four.
Fraser Marris and Eli Pearce each kicked two goals for the Dragons, who sit outside the top five for the first time this season.
South Barwon has overcome a slow start to hold Grovedale goalless after half-time on its way to a 67-point win at McDonald Reserve, 17.19 (121) to 7.12 (54).
The Swans trailed the Tigers by nine points at the main break before clicking into gear with a nine-goal-to-none third term.
Jonty Broughton was best in front of goal for South. He finished with four majors, while captain Matt Caldow contributed three.
Tom Gillett finished with three goals for Grovedale, with Mitch Chafer adding two to the Tigers’ cause.
St Mary’s had few problems seeing off Newtown & Chilwell by 59 points at Anthony Costa Oval.
The Saints kept the Eagles goalless in the opening term, and when they led the young Eagles by 27 points at half-time, victory was in the home team’s sights.
Michael Rudd kicked three goals, returning Kane Loftus two in the 16.5 (101) to 5.12 (42) result.
Luke Maddock was the lone multiple-goalkicker for the Eagles with two.
Paddy DeGrandi and Hunter Lewis kicked seven goals as St Joseph’s piled more misery on the winless St Albans at Drew Oval.
Joeys kicked nine goals in the opening term and rounded out the contest with ten majors, posting a percentage-boosting 30.10 (190) to 7.5 (47) victory.
Joel Edwards added five goals, while debutant Ryan Connolly contributed two.
Hayden Elliott was the Supersaints’ best, with four goals.
X: @krockfootball
