SOMETIMES you have to take a step backwards to go forwards.
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A shock round one loss proved a wake-up call for Hampden league finals fancy Camperdown.
The Magpies atoned for their poor showing against Portland, producing an emphatic opening half against Terang Mortlake at Leura Oval on Saturday.
They piled on eight unanswered first-quarter goals and kept the Bloods to one point to half-time on their way to a confidence-boosting 13.14 (92) to 7.4 (46) win.
The shift in attitude thrilled Camperdown coach Phil Carse.
“We did a lot of soul-searching through the week and really wanted to make a statement in the first quarter with our contested footy more than anything,” he said.
“We were a little bit lucky we won the toss and kicked with a breeze to that end, but to the boys’ credit they did exactly what we wanted – won the contested ball, were first to spread from the contest and got the rewards.
“If anything, we were more pleased with the second quarter kicking into the breeze to keep them goalless.
“That was a really big effort from the boys and the back six stood up really well.”
Camperdown recruit Jordan Bain set the tone in the first term, booting four of his six majors, while Carse, Cam Spence, Luke Clarke and Jack McDonald provided drive in the midfield.
Key defender Billy Arnold was steady alongside fellow backmen Daniel Seehusen and Matt Field, and emerging ruckman Jack Hickey battled manfully.