Mansfield got the job done in a fiery contest against Tatura on Saturday, running out 14.12 (96) to 10.3 (63) winners at Tatura Park.
The Eagles — fresh off beating Mooroopna in round one — booted five of the last six goals of the match to move 2-0 in their campaign.
Mansfield coach Chad Owens praised the determination and resilience of his group to grind out the four points.
“It was a really gutsy win,” Owens said.
“The pressure was high and it was a real physical battle.
“We had a player sent off in the third quarter and they kicked the first goal in the last which put them in front.
“But the boys were really brave and fought it out. It was a great win and it capped off a great day for the club.
“We are instilling a fight to the end attitude and building resilience amongst the playing group, so to win a game like that was really pleasing.”
It was a see-sawing affair across the four quarters.
Mansfield jumped the home side at the start — booting five goals to one — and led by 25 points at the first break.
Tatura bounced back in the second term as Mansfield got caught too forward of the ball.
The intensity rocketed through the roof after the main break.
Both sides traded blows, but it was Mansfield that enjoyed a five-point buffer at three-quarter time, before cashing in late in the piece with five goals.
Che Walls, Tom Sullivan and Chris Ryan were Tatura's standout performers, while Nick Fothergill (two goals) and debutant Kade Gall (one) were lively in front of goal.
Will Foster set the game alight with three goals, while young forward Ben Christopher (three) matched his efforts.
But it was talented midfielder Patty Marks (three goals) who enjoyed a sublime outing in the win.
“Patty had a ripping game in the middle,” Owens said.
“He finds his own ball, has strong hands and is really hard to contest against. He kicked three goals as well, it was a great game from him.
“We had a good spread from all our mids and I thought our backs were superb.”
Mansfield's performances in the opening two rounds have surprised plenty of onlookers, but the only people not shocked by its stirring wins are those in the Eagles’ camp.
“It doesn't surprise us (winning our first two matches),” Owens said.
“I know a lot of people didn't expect us to win any matches, but we know what we can achieve.
“We've put in the hard yards over summer and we've got a young group that just have a red-hot crack each week.”
Mansfield will enjoy a week off with a bye, while Tatura heads to Mooroopna to take on the Cats.
More local sport
Shepparton boxer takes home Lionel Rose Cup
'It's been my saviour': Emma Pridmore wins debut bout
KDL newsletter
12°C