IT took until the final term for Nirranda to break free of Timboon Demons’ shackles, but the Blues were finally able to produce the scintillating outside run they have been striving for in their 13.15 (93) to 9.7 (61) win on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Having trailed by 10 points at half-time on their home turf, the Blues worked hard to get their noses in front at the final change, going into the fourth term five points up.
They slotted through 5.5 to 1.2 to stretch the final margin out to 32 points, but coach Shane Threlfall said it had been an arm wrestle for most of the day.
“We were able to open it up in the last quarter, able to get a bit more outside footy,” he said.
“We probably started the quarter pretty well – I think we got an early goal … but to their (Timboon Demons’) credit, they didn’t allow us to do it earlier.
“Their intensity and their tackling pressure was great.
“It was a hard slog.”
Nirranda led 2.4 to 2.2 after a low-scoring first term, but was down 5.6 to 7.4 at the main break.
Threlfall was impressed to see his charges do “more of the team things”, particularly in the second half, applying blocks and shepherds to help teammates out.
Bronte McCann (one goal) was the Blues’ best, helping out in the ruck to cover the absence of Heath Moloney, while Daniel Threlfall worked hard in a couple of run-with roles.
Their intensity and their tackling pressure was great. It was a hard slog.
- Shane Threlfall
James Willsher (two goals) and Jack Spokes (one) were impressive through the midfield, providing run and carry.
Threlfall said the match had been a “must win” for Nirranda as it strives to keep in touch with the top five.
The Blues are still two games in arrears of fifth-placed Allansford and with some percentage to make up.
Timboon Demons’ coach Mick Hunt said his players had been a “little bit off” on Saturday, but was not disappointed by their effort.
“Nirranda were quite good today … I think we lost a bit of momentum after half-time,” he said.
“Halfway through the third quarter, we dropped off a bit.”
Demons’ half-back flanker Simon Harkness ran the ball well out of defence, while fellow defender Lyndon Alsop carried the ball well.
James Faulkner was tireless through the midfield all afternoon – even against big numbers at times, according to Hunt – while Ben Saunders (one goal) was also among the best.
“Benny played pretty well today (Saturday) – probably for two-and-a-half quarters, he was one of the more constructive wing-come-forward players,” Hunt said.
“We never had Sam Newey or Ben Newey today… we were a bit skinny-on as far as depth goes.”
