Under the pump: Cobram’s Harry Beasley is wrapped up in a tackle.
Photo by
Leonie Bourke
After a several-month off-season that felt more like years, the Murray Football Netball League returned at long last on the weekend.
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Cobram and Bargooa both hit the football fields and netball courts for their season-openers, taking on Nathalia and Congupna respectively.
In the football, the Tigers looked impressive in their first hit-out since last year’s grand final heartbreak as they toppled the Purples 13.11 (89) to 10.6 (66).
It was the perfect way to kick off the new campaign for Cobram, which has had more than its fair share of player turnover during the off-season.
“It was pleasing considering what has happened over the pre-season, they boys have done well,” Cobram coach John Brunskill said.
“We implemented things we have been working on over the pre-season so it was good to see the team sticking to our game plan.”
Foot race: Kyle Coates rushes to beat his Nathalia opponent to the ball.
Photo by
Leonie Bourke
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Clean hands: Kyle Coates gets his handball away.
Photo by
Leonie Bourke
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Quick snap: Kyle Coates throws the ball onto his boot.
Photo by
Leonie Bourke
Mitchell Ward booted four goals for the Tigers and Matthew DeMaio picked up three snags as well, with Harry Beasley putting in a best-on-ground performance in Cobram’s 23-point win.
“Harry Beasley was sensational, I thought. Harry was a standout, he was our best,” Brunskill said.
“Everybody did their part. I thought everyone did their job at times, it was hard to pick the best players outside of Harry.”
At the other end, Liam Evans was prolific up forward for Nathalia as he snared seven majors on the day.
“They will be alright, Nathalia. They are in a similar boat to us, they have some really good, young talent,” Brunskill said.
Flying high: Barooga's Zac Hanrahan wins the tap against Congupna's Brodie Poole.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Wrapped up: Joel Brown brings down his Congupna opponent Dylan Minutoli in a tackle.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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On the run: Zac Hanrahan receives the ball.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Barooga was given a tough introduction to the new season after falling to Congupna 15.19 (109) to 3.7 (25).
It was a formidable matchup for the Hawks in round one, coming up against one of the pre-season flag favourites in the Road.
Congupna led by 33 points at the main break before kicking away to claim an 84-point victory.
New Hawks coach Luke Jarjoura said he could not fault his side’s effort on the day.
“I was very pleased with the endeavour the boys put in considering it was our first game with all our recruits on board,” Jarjoura said.
“They chased, tackled and harassed for four quarters, right through to the final siren, so I was very proud of them. We were just outclassed by a side that will go close to winning every game this year.
“The young local kids didn’t look out of place on a Murray league field and the recruits justified their recruitment. It was pleasing to get through the game unscathed and see everyone in action all together, we will be able to build on that.”
Jarjoura said he was impressed with how good Congupna looked on Saturday, speaking highly of Barooga’s round one opponents.
“The benchmark is Congupna. They have consolidated, in my eyes, for premiership favouritism,” he said.
“The way they move the footy is just phenomenal. That is the best side that I have seen in Murray league football.
Jarjoura said clearances, contested ball and forward entries were three of the areas he would like to see his side improve on heading into this week’s Good Friday clash against Cobram.
On the netball court, Congupna was in fine form against the Hawks as it claimed a 45-18 A-grade victory.
Nathalia was too strong for Cobram in their A-grade clash, prevailing 38-19.
Barooga and Cobram both finished with identical 4-14 win-loss records in 2022, with the two sides set to meet once again this Friday.
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