JINDERA coach Kerry Bahr has described the Bulldogs’ thrilling two-point win over Henty as “being worth eight premiership points”.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In a howling breeze, Henty full-forward James Breen missed a set shot from 30 metres in the final minute to hand Bahr his first win at the helm.
“I was happy with the win,” Bahr said.
“It’s going to be a hard road trip for anyone going to Henty.
“To get away with a win up there is probably worth eight points to us.
“They have recruited well and are going to be hard to beat as they have a quality side.
“We can improve on certain areas but it’s a good start.”
Henty came out with all guns blazing, kicking the first five goals of the match with the aid of a strong breeze.
The Swampies led by 29 points at the first change with Nick Murray, Josh Spencer, Simon Hillier and Brent Ohlin controlling play.
First-gamer Anthony Pope and Dereck Singe also made strong impacts around the ground.
Jindera cut the deficit to five points at half-time with the work-rate of Ryan Speed on a wing and defenders Matt Osborne and Tom Weldon proving pivotal.
“It was probably the third quarter that won it for us,” he said.
“We were against the breeze and held them pretty well.
“We hit post twice in the final quarter which could have almost sealed it for us so it was good to hold on in the finish.”
Jindera’s Luke Holman tweaked his hamstring and could be in doubt for this weekend, but the Bulldogs will have Dylan Pettingill, Tim D’Arcy and Zac Gratton pushing for selection.
Culcairn underlined its status as the league’s big improver by defeating Rand-Walbundrie-Walla by 32 points at Culcairn.
The Lions set up the win in the first quarter with 12 scoring shots to four and maintained the momentum through Tim Hallinan, Jed Andrew, Nick Wright and James Pitson.
Co-coach Adam Eady said it was a strong first-up showing.
“I was really happy with the win, the young blokes in particular stood up,” Eady said.
Murray Magpies recruit Daniel Maher was best afield in the side’s 51-point victory over Lockhart at Lockhart.
Maher knocked up winning possessions with Brennan Deppeler capping off much of his good work with six goals.
Lockhart played well for the first-half but Daniel Smallwood, Zac Sheather and Jake Phillips lacked the support to run out the match.
Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock defeated Billabong Crows by 26 points.
Veterans Kade Stevens and Jarrod Hillary kicked six of the reigning premier’s 10 goals with Dylan Boers, Lachie Boyd and Eddy Ziebarth impressing further afield.
Michael O'Riordan was best for the Crows.
Osborne defeated CDHBU by 69 points with the match finishing early after youngster Marc Playford received a heavy knock.
Howlong defeated Holbrook by 36 points.