Lancefield kicked off its Riddell District Football League season with a hard fought win against Woodend-Hesket on Saturday.
In the first game at Gilbert Gordon Oval since 2014, nothing separated the two teams in the first three quarters, before the Tigers kicked away late in the match to secure the 13.8 (86) – 9.15 (69) win.
Tigers coach Ashley Manning said it was good to get the season off to a winning note after losing a close game to start last season.
“After quarter-time we were a bit more accountable,” he said.
“They had a couple of key forwards looking dangerous and our defenders were able to shut them down.
“Our midfield was on top and we had a good target up forward.
“We didn’t necessarily control the game but we had the game more on our terms. It’s good to get a win.”
Once they hit the front in the second quarter, the Tigers repelled all the Hawks’ attacks to maintain the lead.
But it could have been a different story if the Hawks had kicked straight in the second quarter, when they made just 10 behinds.
“We were lucky they missed a few gettable shots,” Manning said.
“They should have been three or four goals up.
“They kicked six or seven points in a row and, as happens a lot in footy, we went up the other end and kicked a goal.
“It obviously dented their energy.”
Up the other end of the field, last year’s league leading goalkicker, Jon Kent, continued where he left off with six goals.
“It’s a huge bonus for him to kick six,” Manning said. “I thought he was clearly best on ground.”
Kent was well supported by a number of experienced players, while Manning liked the games of some of the young brigade.
“He had a lot of assistance,” he said. “Chris Barton was good and Brett Pitts had 25 possessions off a limited pre-season.
“Ciaran Barton was fantastic at half-back, while Daniel Rebbechi and Daniel Frost were also good.”
The Tigers now have the week off because of the split first round and will face Diggers Rest in round two.
“We have five or six new players in the side and we’ll get better as the season goes on,” Manning said.
“A couple of us will likely watch Diggers Rest on Saturday and spend this week working on our game style.
“We might work on some fitness and push them a bit harder with the week off.”
Melton Centrals took the points in the other match played at the weekend.
Centrals smashed Rockbank, 18.26 (134) – 4.1 (25).
