NAVARRE Grasshoppers started on the front foot in their clash against Maryborough Castlemaine District Football League improvers Royal Park.
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The Grasshoppers were instantly in an attacking mode with Royal Park electing to drop numbers behind the play.
The tactic looked to be working early as Navarre continuously bombed inside their forward fifty with no reward.
Poor kicking from Navarre was another factor keeping Royal Park in the contest.
After a quarter time address from their coach Daniel Parkin, who wasn't playing, the team lifted and started to play some decent football.
Parkin was one of four late withdrawals from Saturday's match when he pulled out with a sore calf muscle.
Other players included Brent Flood and Sam Robertson, who were both rested after having ongoing issues this season.
Sam Kaye suffered a knock to the ribs last weekend and pulled up sore and was another to take his seat in the crowd.
The quarter time break also gave Navarre time to polish up on their game plan.
Hedges Oval, home of the Royal Park Tigers, had one very dry side and one mud pit.
In the second term Navarre took advantage of the dry side and created some separation between the two teams.
Bryce Tickner and Luke Hendy were both impressive with their run and carry off the half back line.
In the absence of those senior players Paul Carson and Tyler McSparron were both promoted to the senior line up and provided the team with more depth.
Ben Scott finished with five goals in his return to football while Nic Murphy kicked two.
At the start of the third quarter Navarre held a 35 point buffer, allowing then to make changes.
Parkin, from the sidelines, was able to have a good look at what was and wasn't working and was impressed with what was on display.
"I guess we had a good lead so we were able to have a look at different things," Parkin said.
"Jayden Fowkes went forward and was pretty good."
Throughout the game Josh Driscoll, Zach Parry and Sam Kaye threw their weight around landing solid, but fair bumps while Nigel Greenaway also ran through several packs.
Navarre were convincing winners all over the ground after a slow first quarter. The final score was Navarre 13.13.91 defeating Royal Park 2.5.17.
"When it was close they were full of voice and playing off adrenaline," Parkin said.
"Once we got on top they were easily deflated. It is good to see how much they have improved though."
Best players were Luke Hendy, Bryce Tickner, Ben Scott, Lachie Slorach, Josh Driscoll and Daniel Reading.
