Tigers launch Crute's coaching career in style | Reserves GF photos

Crute led the Merrivale reserves team to a premiership on Saturday with a 33-point win over Dennington.

The 25-year-old first-year coach paid tribute to his teammates for their support.

“I have always been interested in coaching and the opportunity came up at the start of the season,” Crute said.

“The lads said they would back me in and they have been great with that support.

“This was my first premiership and there were a lot more experienced blokes in the team who backed me all the way.”

The Tigers’ win was set up in the first quarter when they kicked six unanswered goals with the breeze blowing to the town end.

It gave them a 32-point buffer that the Dogs could not make inroads into during an evenly fought final three quarters.

“We knew the first 10 minutes of the game would be pretty hot and contested and we were able to settle a bit quicker,” Crute said.

“Kicking six goals straight in that first quarter meant we made the most of our opportunities and were able to put scoreboard pressure on.”

Crute said centre half-back Sean Barnes was a deserved winner of the best-on-ground medal, while full-back Denny Carter was also an important player.

The star up forward was Matthew Auld, who kicked six goals, taking his season tally to 103. Auld kicked four goals in the first quarter.

It was Auld’s first premiership and he said he was glad to get the 100-goal milestone out of the way early. “In my last couple of games I have kicked 13 points so getting the 100 has played on my mind a bit,” he said.

“I went in today with my only focus being doing my bit for the team. I wouldn’t have cared if I ended up on 99 goals as long as we won.

“As it turned out the goals came early and the most important thing about that is it gave us a great start to the game.”

abrady@fairfaxmedia.com.au