Josh Temple was lethal in front of goal, kicking four in the contest. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
After a crushing first game defeat at the hands of reigning Kyabram District League premier Murchison-Toolamba in round one, Girgarre pulled itself together against Merrigum to get on the board in style.
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Playing their first home game of the season at Girgarre Recreation Reserve, the Kangaroos didn’t get off to the flying start they were hoping for, but did just enough to keep pace with the Bulldogs with the scores sitting dead even at 2.3 at quarter-time.
Girgarre began to open up in the second period and took the lead, kicking a further 4.2, while holding Merrigum to another middling quarter of 2.2.
Steven Phillips settles under it.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
With a two-goal lead following the half-time break, the Kangaroos started to find their rhythm, stringing together a run of play that doubled their goal total from the previous two quarters combined while stifling the Bulldogs; efforts inside 50.
Boasting a 48-point lead heading into the final stanza, all the momentum was with Girgarre which was putting on a show for the home crowd.
Billy Barnes hangs on to it.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
An almost complete lockdown of Merrigum’s attack meant that the final quarter was spent almost exclusively played in the Bulldogs’ half, with Girgarre finishing its day with a 5.6 effort to put its opposition to bed.
Adding 1.1 in the second half meant that Merrigum was walked off the park and ended with 5.9 (39).
Kellan Robinson and Byron Dryden in the contest.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Meanwhile, Girgarre’s offence was free flowing in the second half, kicking 12.10 en route to an 18.15 (123) total and an 84-point victory.
The potent goal-kicking antics of Ryan Butler (4), Billy Barnes (3) and Josh Temple (3) meant that all three found themselves in the Kangaroos’ best alongside Charles Lowe, Steven Phillips and Josh Marino.
Mathew Macansh handballs in the midfield.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Girgarre coach John Wilson reflected on his side’s rebounding win and opened up about preparing his side to perform at its best as the game wears on.
“It was a good bounce back from the week before and we worked on a few things that didn’t click against Murchison-Toolamba,” he said.
Shelby Ludlow-Lambrick and Matt Findlay battle for the ball.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
“The guys pushed really hard in hot and tricky conditions, especially early on and were rewarded when they got over the top later in the game.
“The first half was competitive with both sides playing good footy, but we made a few adjustments at half-time in response to that.
Mathew Macansh on the burst.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
“We knew our pre-season work was solid, so we knew we can finish off games strong, so we just stuck to that and knew we could come out in the second half and put in a good performance.”
Wilson emphasised his approach on a team-wide defence he tried to implement with his side, which was on full display against Merrigum, particularly in the second half.
Billie Gahan goes low to land the mark.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“Defensively across the whole ground, the guys worked very well as a larger group to make sure we were positioned well behind the footy,” he said.
“We tend to have that as a game plan, we don’t want our defenders to get isolated too much, and we like to help each other out at that end.
Josh Temple pushes through.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“We are an improving team, and it’s no secret that we have spent a few years trying to rebuild our list and get our club back to the top end, and I think we are on our way to achieving that.”
Girgarre and the rest of the league will get a well-earned break this week for the Easter long weekend and will be fresh to face rival Lancaster in round three.
