Williams puts a skip in Roos' step

The prized King Valley

recruit, playing in the unfamiliar position of onballer, split packs and gave the Roos first use of the ball in their convincing 59-point round 1 win against Benalla All Blacks at Whitfield.

Roos coach Jono Rea said the former Jerilderie and Wodonga player was likely to find a new home in the midfield.

“He’s well suited to the midfield with his fitness and well-polished skills,” Rea said. “He was very good.

“A smaller ground at the valley really suited him.

“He ran hard and with the big body, he was great in the centre.

“He’s a very smart footballer and that made a huge difference having him there.”

The Roos showed why they should be a big improver this season, piling on 10 second-half goals to win 15.23 (113) to 7.12 (54) in front of a big Easter Saturday home crowd.

The Panthers faded badly after a slick start, booting four of the first five goals. They added only three after quarter time.

Michael Donehue (four goals) was the All Blacks’ only multiple goalkicker, while Brendan Sessions (four) was one of nine goalkickers for the Roos.

Stephen Beavis was outstanding at centre half-back for the Roos, while Hayden Sims, on a wing, and ruckman Simon Hunter, resting forward, were also strong contributors.

Rea said he was happy with his team’s second half but stressed there was plenty of room for improvement.

“We started slow,” he said.

“With all the new players we had, it took a while to gel.

“We really picked it up in the second half.

“Our defensive pressure wasn’t very good to start with.

“We slowed them a bit as the game wore on and were able to get on top.

“The new players were really good — that was probably the most pleasing thing.”

In the other Saturday game, Richard Leahy booted nine and Gene Marek seven in Whorouly’s 129-point win at Bright.

And on Friday, Milawa won by 96 points at Bonnie Doon and Moyhu defeated Greta by 64 points at W.J. Findlay Oval.