THURGOONA made an early statement in the Tallangatta and District league by dismantling Mitta United at Thurgoona on Saturday.
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The Bulldogs skipped away in the second quarter with forwards Matt Fowler and Sam Cross thriving on some pinpoint delivery.
“It was a bit scrappy as Mitta United bored in and made us work for it,” co-coach Jamarl O’Sullivan said of the 46-point win.
“Our pressure and young blokes were really good.
“A couple of discipline things let in a couple of goals which we will address but we were really happy.”
Blair Osmond, Dylan Rake and Luke Gerecke led the Bulldog young brigade while Mark Haydon was as reliable as ever in defence.
Fowler kicked 7.6 and was on the receiving end of several bullet passes from Kade Brown on a wing.
Mitta United were within 22 points at the last change but lost touch in the final quarter as the home team piled on 8.1 to 4.1.
Sam Gorupic, Joel Wilson and Brendan Hodgkin were solid performers.
The victory came at a price for Thurgoona with Connor Meredith suffered a potentially serious ankle injury.
“It was a good start for us but I’m sure Mitta is going to get better as well,” O’Sullivan said.
“We ran the game out well and a lot of our kids stood up for us.”
Wahgunyah started the season in sensational fashion by thrashing Chiltern by 113 points.
The Lions held their opponents to four goals as Jamie Seymour, Josh Clark and Josh Kemp dominated general play.
John Webb held Swan coach Brent Newton to a reasonable return in the ruck.
“It’s always good to get the first game out of the road,” he said.
“We had nine goalkickers which was pleasing.
“That’s the way we want to play our footy.
“We didn’t think we would win by that much but we have set ourselves for this game for the past five or six weeks.
“Hopefully it’s a good platform for the rest of the season.”
Chiltern’s Corey Southern played well for the Swans.
Beechworth defeated Wodonga Saints by 48 points.
The improved Saints led into the third quarter but couldn’t contain Jesse Dale, Hamish Malsem, Brayden Carey and Bryce Mummery.
James Ryan and Norm Barlow were best for Wodonga Saints.
Rutherglen recruit John Spencer kicked four goals on debut in the Cats’ big win over Barnawartha.
Kiewa-Sandy Creek were too good for Tallangatta with Ryan Wallace leading the way.
Spearhead Trent Castles kicked nine goals in Yackandandah’s 157-point hiding of a depleted Dederang-Mount Beauty.