Barnawartha reign supreme over Thurgoona in grand final rematch

The Tigers were on the receiving end of a 71-point flogging in the 2019 grand final when the two sides last met.

But it was the Tigers who were able to inflict some pain of their own with a 19.7 (121) to 10.14 (74) win over their grand final nemesis.

The home side kicked the opening five goals of the match with key forward Josh Spence, Brad Dalbosco and Adam Elias instrumental in the opening quarter onslaught.

Adding further merit to the performance, the Tigers went into the clash without star forward Peter Cook.

Spence was able to pick up the slack and clinch best-on-ground honours with a six goal haul.

The reigning premier responded to the challenge in the second term as it piled on eight goals to three with skipper Tom Rake, James O'Connell and Darcy Moore leading the fightback.

With scores level at the main break, the Tigers were able to bury the visitors with an 11-goal to two second-half.

IN OTHER NEWS

Co-coach Kade Brown admitted he has been frustrated by the inconsistency of the Bulldogs 0-2 start to the season.

"It's been a frustrating start to the season but I feel there has been more positives then negatives," Brown said.

"Both games we have been in front at half-time so we have been in the hunt.

"We are just struggling at the minute to put four-quarters together.

"It's a work in progress with so many new faces in the side.

"Even the players can feel the frustration but we need to keep things in perspective and realise it's not going to happen overnight and we need to work on our deficiencies.

"We kicked eight goals in the second quarter to prove out best is good enough against those better sides.

"But our worst is fairly ordinary and that's why we need to be more consistent if we are going to match it with the best in the competition."

The Bulldogs have slipped to second last on the ladder after the opening two rounds and face Mitta United, Yackandandah, Chiltern and Tallangatta over the next month.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: