On song: Dookie United's Patrick McMullan.
Photo by
Brenden Paddock
Dookie United sent out a warning to the rest of its Kyabram District League opponents at the weekend.
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The Thunder secured its opening win of the season with a resounding 116-point thrashing of Merrigum.
The Bulldogs, who had notched up emphatic wins over Stanhope and Nagambie, were outmatched by United in the round three contest.
Onballer Josh Kezerle stood out, while defender Andrew O’Connor and forward Pat McMullan (five goals) recorded strong outings.
Dookie’s classy 56-point opening term set the tone for the remainder of the match, one that saw Merrigum only boot two goals after quarter time.
The hosts used the ball quickly and continued to apply the scoreboard pressure to run out 23.11 (149) to 5.3 (33) winners.
United’s co-coach Jack Threlfall — who chimed in with six majors — was happy to see his side collect its first points of 2022.
“For the first few weeks we felt like we were building and figuring out what worked best for us, but [Saturday] was proof that when we do everything right we can play some good footy,” he said.
“We were 0-2 and staring at being 0-3, so hopefully this win helps kick-start our season.
“Everybody played well; I thought our backline did a great job and it was pretty hard to select the best players.
“We want to keep this momentum up and take it into the next few rounds.”
Around the grounds, Girgarre playing coach Damian Cupido enjoyed a day out in his side’s mammoth win over Longwood.
The former AFL star feasted on 16 goals in a performance that wound back the clock to his playing days at the Brisbane Lions and Essendon.
Cupido’s exploits in front of goal helped the Roos run away to a 26.14 (170) to 2.3 (15) triumph.
Ash Hughes and Rex Taylor chipped in with handy efforts in the win.
Day out: Girgarre coach Damian Cupido booted 16 majors on Saturday.
Photo by
Rohan Aldous
Stanhope was able to get its first win of the 2022 campaign with a 58-point win over Rushworth.
The Lions’ Josh Harris and Ryan Semmel both led from the front in the 18.7 (115) to 8.9 (57) victory.
Tom McKay, Jack Baker and Brett Anderson flew the flag for Rushworth.
Meanwhile, Lancaster remains in top spot following a comfortable 94-point win over Tallygaroopna.
Tim Strapp booted five and Jack Donnell was judged best-on for the Wombats.
Avenel chalked up its third win of the season with a 30-point triumph over Violet Town.
Despite the Towners’ Jack Exell booting five majors, the Swans were able to tough out a 15.10 (100) to 11.4 (70) win.
Avenel’s Tom Tobin (two goals), Tim Brook (four) and onballer Mitch Tobin were the standouts in the win.
Lastly, there were two Sunday games, with Nagambie at home to Murchison-Toolamba and Undera at home to Shepparton East.
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