In traffic: Avenel's Andrew Dowling bursts through the pack.
Photo by
Bransen Gibson
Avenel has got its campaign under new mentor Matthew Huy off to a winning start thanks to a blistering second half to run out 26-point winners over a brave Undera on Saturday.
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The Swans booted 10 goals to five after the main break to win 14.13 (97) to 11.5 (71) in a performance that would have turned Kyabram District League pundits’ heads.
Last year’s minor premier was slow out of the blocks and allowed Undera, a side that finished 11th in 2022, to enter half-time with a 10-point buffer.
However, Dylan Hoystead (five goals) and Braydon Avola helped the Swans to race away in the second half to post a gritty win on the road.
Quick hands: Aidan McSpeerin gets his handball away under pressure.
Photo by
Bransen Gibson
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Smooth pick-up: Undera’s Logan Campbell gathers the ball.
Photo by
Bransen Gibson
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Inside 50: Paul Arandt of Avenel boots the ball into the Swans’ forward line.
Photo by
Bransen Gibson
Elsewhere, Nagambie mauled Stanhope in the final match of the round on Sunday afternoon.
The Lakers flexed their muscles to run out 20.15 (135) to 7.9 (51) winners.
Jono Moore booted two goals and continued where he left off in 2022 and provided plenty of highlight reel moments with his strong marks, including one high-flying grab, while Will Dalton booted five goals in a best-on display.
Blake Laverie (two goals) and Nathan Fothergill (two) rounded out the better players for the Lakers while Mark Nolan was a pillar in defence.
Lastly, reigning premier Lancaster kicked away to score a 16.9 (105) to 7.4 (46) win over an improved Longwood.
The Wombats’ Ricky Thomson and Zac Cerrone booted three goals each, while Coby O’Neill was another standout with two majors.
The Redlegs’ Bailey McMurtrie was best afield while Josh Formosa had a day out in his debut for the club with four majors.
Over on the netball court, Avenel manufactured a 54-40 win over Undera and Lancaster saw off Longwood by 14 goals.
Nagambie was able to hold off a plucky Stanhope to record a 53-47 triumph at home on Sunday.
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