By Justin Flynn
Bell Park coach James Saker wants his side to concentrate on being more consistent this season after the Dragons opened the season with a stunning win against Colac.
The Dragons were three points in front at the last change and held Colac goalless in a frantic final term that saw the final scores 9.11(65) to 6.12(48) at Hamlyn Park on Saturday April 13.
“We just want to try to be more consistent this year and in the first round, we’ve been able to do that,” Saker said.
“We’re trying to improve. I think our training, our preseason in terms of improvement was much better than last year’s and that’s because the players are putting in a bit more effort.
“So I think people around the club are maybe seeing signs of our boys being a bit fitter and stronger and we’ve got to try and translate that into playing a higher level of footy for longer.”
Bell Park finished the Geelong Football League season in eighth spot last season while Colac lost just four games in the regular season.
Prized South Warrnambool recruit Ollie Bridgewater starred in his first outing for the Dragons, putting in a superb display in the ruck while Ben Lloyd and Ben Worne also played well.
Saker said the game was very much an arm wrestle.
“All the stats were very even including inside 50s so I think it was just a very hard contested game where we took the most of the chances,” he said.
“I think what it came down to, which was very pleasing, was probably how physical our players were. We knew we had to match Colac in the contested area of the game and we did that for four quarters, which is a really good confidence booster for our players to know they can.”
Saker said there were specific instructions to his players at three-quarter time when the game was on the line.
“We had a full complement of players on the bench. So it was to push your body and help your mates and help each other out to try and see it through.”
NORTH SHORE broke through for its first win since round 11 last year with a spirited 13.16(94) to 9.9(63) result against Lara. Star recruit Nathan Arbon was best afield while Harry Purcell followed up his six-goal haul from last week with another three.
SOUTH BARWON demolished Grovedale with an 18.16(124) to 5.9(39) victory. Midfielder Doyle Madigan was best afield for the Swans.
LEOPOLD shrugged off a persistent Geelong West to win, 13.23(101) to 10.6(66). Connor Giddings booted three for the reigning premiers while Lachie Horniblow did the same for the Giants.
ST MARY’S midfielder Harry Benson looks set for another huge season with a best afield display in his side’s 14.12(96) to 5.8(38) win against Newtown & Chilwell.
ST JOSEPH’S booted 15 goals in the first half to run out 86-point winners against St Albans, 20.11(131) to 6.9(45). The Supersaints were much more competitive after half-time, but the damage had been done with Max McLachlan and Hunter Lewis each booting four goals for Joeys. Star Supersaint Sam Donegan also kicked four majors and is eyeing off another stellar season.
