Woodend-Hesket returned to the winners’ list on Saturday for the first time since May in the Riddell District Football League.
It has been tough going for the Hawks this season, with a number of key players suffering season-ending injuries.
As a result, finals ambitions went quickly out the window.
On Saturday, they faced Melton Centrals, a side which has struggled as much as they have.
The Hawks, wearing the old Hesket jumper, set the tempo early and were never headed in the 12.17 (89)-4.4 (28) win.
Hawks coach Ross Sleight set a simple goal early … to win the first quarter, something the Hawks hadn’t done in four matches.
“The aim of the game was to win the first quarter and then take that into the second and third,” he said.
“Sometimes when we’re up and about the boys tend to get a bit lazy but they were very good today.
“To get back on the winners’ list was not only good for the side, but the supporters who are here week in and week out and the young guys who have come up and taken the spot of the injured blokes.”
The biggest difference between the two sides, was that the Hawks were prepared to work harder to win the ball.
Sleight said having the younger players in the side had been a big part of it.
“We knew once we got on top of them and broke their back they would stop running as they have a lot more older bodies,” he said.
“Our average age is under 23 and we knew once we got on top we would break their back and that’s what we did.
“Our motto is tough and hard. The under-18 kids are a lot skinnier than everyone else but when the footy is there to be won they put their heads and bodies over the ball and they win it.”
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Phillip Shaw, who kicked two goals, was best on ground, while Blake Laverie, Matthew Quinn and Alex Shepherdley were other standouts. The win is just the third of the season for the Hawks, who remain in ninth position.
Sleight said the aim now was to try to play as many younger players as possible.
“We were looking to make finals this year, but 11 of the starting 22 have been out for the last two months and probably the rest of the year.
“It’s pretty disappointing but, in saying that, it’s giving the young blokes the chance to stand up and play some great footy.” In other results, Diggers Rest remains undefeated after beating Sunbury Kangaroos, Rupertswood was too strong for Romsey and Broadford defeated Lancefield.
