Round 1: Disappointing

Panton Hill: 10.8-68
Watsonia: 19.13-127

Goals Kickers: D. Butler 4, R. Woods 2, C. Seaman, J. Whitcher, D. Pratt, S. Gunn
Best Players: W. Box, C. Cummings, G. Oakley, B. Brown, D. Butler, G. Mc Auliffe

With the usual excitement and optimism that surrounds the start of any footy season, the players went into this match with big expectations on themselves despite the 20 goal difference last season. The Hills started reasonably well in the first quarter and were still well within touch at the half. Oaksey was a stand out up to the main break. The second half was a different story as Watsonia began to run all over Panton Hill and the disappointing final score line speaks for itself.

The ever reliable Vice-captain Will Box put in a best-on-ground performance across the half-back line and through the centre. And Christian Cummings continued his impressive pre-season form and was very solid in the back line.

Although this was some what of a reality check, post-match Gary Ramsay spoke about the exciting challenges ahead that would see the team develop and improve. This week the boys will be focusing on their strengths and look to iron out some of the weaknesses when they come up against last years grand finalists in Macleod.


RESERVES DEALT HARSH LESSON IN COMPLACENCY

Panton Hill: 4.3-27
Watsonia: 17.18-120

Goal Kickers: T. Beattie, W. Wenborn, D. Goody, B. Trim
Best Players: D. Goody, M. Birthisel, W. Wenborn, M. Cameron, G. Carr, G. Wise

Whilst the score line was all too familiar for the twos, the match was not without promise for new coach John Manzoney. With Andrew “Puffy” Wilson as skipper in Ty Dummett’s absence against Watsonia the Redbacks executed with an overall selfless and spirited enthusiasm that saw them have the majority of the attacking play in the first quarter. However it would appear that the quarter time break served only to fill the Hills players with a misplaced sense of confidence as they led by less than a goal at the first change.

The second quarter was completely dominated by Watsonia, as the red and black team appeared to treat their opponents with complacency, which led to a downfall that saw the side retreat to shades of 2007 including a lack of team structure and discipline. Unfortunately, by the time this reality appeared to sink in during the final quarter, the match was all but over and a seemingly fitter and hungrier Saints team marched away with a strong win.

The clear standout for the Hills was David Goody, who worked tirelessly in the midfield throughout the game for little reward or support after quarter time. Matthew Birthisel was typically solid in a back line that was very much under siege all day. It was also encouraging to see Grenville Wise come out of retirement and return to the club following a career threatening neck injury in June of 2007. Grenville played a solid match and will be looking to return to his form of last season over the coming weeks.