A new-look Benalla outfit has kicked its Goulburn Valley League campaign off in style with an impressive win over the Shepparton Swans on Saturday.
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With the Saints donning a fresh kit and showcasing their summer recruits, they waltzed home to the tune of 50 points at Princess Park.
A dominant second term - highlighted by superb inside-50 entries and extreme pressure on the contest - put the Saints up by seven goals at half-time and in total control of the match.
Benalla's clean disposal by hand and foot continued to slice open the Swans after the main break, with Chris Welsh, David Mennen and Zach Pallpratt hurting the hosts.
Some standout prowess in the forward line from Benalla's Nick Warnock (five goals) and Jordan Wolff (four) was matched and bettered by Swans’ Michael Cooke.
The talented forward ended up with nine majors, with most coming in a final quarter blow-out that saw 14 goals kicked, as players on both sides struggled with the heat and playing competitive football again.
The end result left the Saints walking away with a 22.13 (145) to 14.11 (95) win.
“It was a hot one today. We lost a couple of guys towards the end with some injuries, nothing serious, but happy to get through and get the four points,” first-year coach Jake Pallpratt said.
“There wasn't a lot of defending in that last quarter, blokes were just in third gear and I think the heat got to the players and opened the game up.”
Before the feast of goals in the final term, Benalla had performed strongly up until three-quarter time.
The Saints out-muscled their opponents around contest and delivered the ball on a dime for their forwards.
Warnock, Wolff and Pat Warner (two goals) routinely found the ball in their hands.
The trio were rewarded for their strong hit-up leads as they contributed to half of Benalla's 22 majors.
But to deliver the ball continuously in the lap of their star forwards, Benalla worked tirelessly across half-back and on the wings as they forced the Swans to cough up disposal of the ball.
“I thought we worked really well at times as a unit,” Pallpratt said.
“I thought our forwards worked really hard and selflessly, while our backs did a great job as well.
“Nick (Warnock) played well, but I think all forwards contributed well together.
“I was impressed with the work rate, generally when you work hard the goals tend to come.
“I felt we reloaded well out of defence, we did turn it over at times, but also our mids worked back defensively which gave us extra numbers to rebound it forward.
“There's a fair bit to work on, but plenty of positive signs early on in the season.”
In the Swans’ camp, reliable defender Andrew Riordan battled hard all day, while Zac Clohesy and Quade Johnstone were handy contributors.
Poor disposal efficiency hurt the Swans and Hawke was quick to remind that you could not afford to turn over possession against quality opponents.
“They were better than us today. They were better in a few areas, one was in close handballs, the other was their kicking to advantage,” Hawke said.
“I thought we rushed things, we missed targets, and when we were in a position to take that next step we turned it over. Do that to any side in the GV and they will make you pay for it.
“At the end of the day I felt like we didn't play anywhere near at our best.
“But it's only the first game, we'll let the dust settle and we'll stay positive.”
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