TATYOON'S flying start to the season continued on Saturday, with the Hawks producing another convincing display to defeat Glenthompson/Dunkeld by a massive 80 points.
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After a competitive opening quarter Tatyoon broke the shackles in the second term, booting five goals to two and opening up a 28-point halftime lead in the process.
Veteran midfielder Sean McDougall was in vintage form, as he cleared the ball from the centre on numerous occasions into a dangerous forward line which included Steve Butler (six goals), Tyler Cronin (three) and Richard Tucker (three).
Zach Louder was solid in the ruck during the second half and fed McDougall, Mitch Cronin and Damian Cameron well as the Hawks continued to open up a gap on the scoreboard.
The home side saved their best quarter for the last, as Tatyoon piled on eight majors to the Rams' one to see the final margin balloon out 20.17 (137) to 8.9 (57).
Jarrod Blandford continued his stellar start to the year, once again being named in the Hawks' top performers.
Wickliffe/Lake Bolac coach Chris Hilet said his team was left feeling deflated after forfeiting a final quarter lead to go down by the narrowest of margins to Caramut.
After trailing for the majority of the match, the Magpies rallied in the fourth term, only to relapse and find themselves behind by one point at the final siren 9.8 (62) to 9.9 (63).
"They were in front at three quarter time and we sort of knew that we hadn't played well all day," Hilet said.
"If we started to run and move the footy, we were always going to be a chance. We did that for the first 15 minutes and got in front, but went back to what we'd done for the first three quarters.
"We played reactive football and let them dictate the pace of the game, but full credit to Caramut they wanted it more in the end and so they deserved the win.
"To go back into our shell again and just go through the motions was a disappointing way to finish the game."
Jock Cameron played in the midfield all match and was the Magpies' clear best on ground performer, with good support from Michael Otto, Sam Archer and Jake Clark.
Hilet said despite the disappointment, there were a few positives to take away from the game.
"The way we transition the footy at certain times I was happy with, we went end-to-end a couple of times and got it right down deep into the 50 without them getting near it," he said.
"It is just a matter of drumming into the boys that when we play the brand of footy we want, we are more than capable of mixing it with anyone.
"What I wasn't happy with was how flat footed and second to the ball we were. As soon as they put the pressure on us we turned it over far too easily."
Moyston/Willaura found itself in an unusual position of trailing Woorndoo/Mortlake at quarter time of its clash.
After regrouping the Pumas found the lead by halftime courtesty of some solid work from Josh Bywater, Luke Thomas and Matt Scully, however the Tigers continued to push the reigning premiers.
Some wayward kicking cost the serial wooden-spooners from getting closer to the victors, however the home team keep the Pumas honest throughout the match.
Luke Foster, Matt Peel and Aussie Hamilton rounded out Moyston/Willaura's top six players in the 35-point win.
SM&W Rovers were on the back foot from the outset against Hawkesdale/Macarthur after being held goalless in the opening quarter at Mininera.
The Southern Eagles started the match with a favourable breeze behind them, which put Bulldogs' defenders Ben Nankervis and Andrew Toan under immediate pressure.
The pair stood up and with support coming from forwards Daniel Mengler and coach Joe Carmody, the home side was able to reduce the deficit to 13 points at halftime.
Hawkesdale/Macarthur again kicked away in the third term, with five goals to Rovers’ two. Despite the best efforts of the Dogs, led by Jahn Knight and Brad Scott in the final quarter, the team was unable to reel the scoreboard back in.
The Southern Eagles eventually took honours by 29 points, 12.13 (85) to 8.8 (56).
Great Western has been left licking its wounds after another tough loss, this time to Penshurst by 65 points.
The Lions were competitive for the first half, but as injuries struck the Bombers took control.
The visitors were six goals down at the main break and with only one rotation for the remainder of the match, the score line continued to blow out.
Former coach Nick Thomas was lively at both ends of the ground for Great Western, while youngsters Jayden McCartney and Angus Williams played their role even after a full game in the juniors.
Daniel Hoare was also impressive in his new tagging role, where he was able to nullify reigning league best and fairest Justin Eales.
It was another difficult day for the Ararat Eagles, with Lismore/Derrinallum dictating terms to run out 167-point winners.
It took until the third quarter for the Eagles to register a major, with Brent Bulger and Nathan Leggett finishing with a goal each.
Coach Lewis Baker and his predecessor Nathan Wemyss led the way for the home side, while Tom Taurau — who was available due to the North Ballarat Rebels having a weekend’s break — also saw plenty of action.