REIGNING premier Thurgoona defied an injury-ravaged list to bury Yackandandah by 79 points at Thurgoona on Saturday.
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We’ve been hit pretty hard by the injury stick and we had four kids who are eligible for the under-18s playing on Saturday.
- Jamarl O'Sullivan
Despite missing players including Jayden Kotzur, Connor Meredith, Kade Brown, Luke Gerecke, James Currie and David Price, the Bulldogs showed their unrivalled depth by running out comfortable victors.
Corben Rawlings and Jake Gollan were promoted from the thirds and made auspicious debuts while veterans Matt Fowler and Aydan Brown bagged 12 goals between them.
Co-coach Jamarl O’Sullivan said it was pleasing to see his young brigade shine against a side pushing for finals.
“The young blokes brought a lot of energy into the side and played really well,” O’Sullivan said.
“They were terrific.
“We’ve been hit pretty hard by the injury stick and we had four kids who are eligible for the under-18s playing on Saturday.
“It was a great effort.”
Thomas Rake and Blair Osmond also stood up for Thurgoona as it broke the match open with eight goals to one in the second quarter.
Mark Haydon had plenty of help in holding Roo spearhead Trent Castles to two majors.
“Our back line worked really well together,” O’Sullivan said.
Yackandandah coach Lee Dale tried to lift his side with some inspired play but Hayden Key and Michael Rose were among the few to respond.
Rutherglen slammed on seven unanswered goals in the final quarter to defeat Mitta United by 12 points at Rutherglen.
Staring down the barrel at a costly loss, the Cats kicked 7.2 to 0.2 to retain their position in the top three.
Jak Hancock and Seamus Bromley were instrumental in the fightback while John Spencer kicked six goals in his best performance since joining the Cats.
Mitta United played well in patches with Nathan Reynoldson and Jack Gilbee in everything and Drew Cameron kicked five majors against his former side.
Chiltern defeated old rivals Beechworth by four points.
In a tense finish, Chris Anderson and Brent Newton did just enough to see the Swans to their fourth win of the season.
Kiewa-Sandy Creek were never troubled by Barnawartha, winning by 37 points.
Callum and Trent Turner were strong for the victors, Bryce Garvey slotted five majors and Wylie Jackson worked hard around the ground.
Wahgunyah accounted for Tallangatta by 17 points and Dederang-Mount Beauty edged out Wodonga Saints.