It’s been a while, but the Northern Knights finally had the chance to celebrate their second win of the TAC Cup.
The first 20 minutes didn’t suggest a Knights’ win as the Western Jets started the better of the sides.
Once the Knights found space to run and carry with the ball, it was a different story as they headed for their second win of the season.
The end result was a 20-point margin, 12.15 (87) – 9.13 (67).
Knights’ coach Andrew Shakespeare said the win was a great reward for the hard work the players had put in in recent months.
“It’s acknowledgement of their effort and great for the boys,” he said.
“There was a relief from the players’ point of view and belief that they can do it.
“The theme during the week was ‘keep believing and keep confident’,” said Shakespeare, who thought the win a better performance than the one against Sandringham Dragons.
“The scoreboard after the first 20 minutes reflected the game,” Shakespeare said.
“We then took control of it and played it our way.
“We had to fight for victory and it’s the best performance for the year for that reason.”
Darcy MacPherson and Kieran Malone were the Knights’ best players,” Shakespeare thought.
“It was Darcy’s second game back after a long time out with a shoulder injury. He had 28 possessions and was really dynamic with the ball.
“It’s a credit to him that he’s come back so well.
“Kieran had 36 possessions and worked the ball around. He knows he’s able to work across all four quarters.”
The win came without the side’s four Vic Metro players, Brayden Fiorini, Tyrone Leonardis, Matthew Perry and Jade Gresham.
“It’s really pleasing that a lot of bottom-age players were out there and we had a 16-year-old play as the 23rd man.
“They played Knights’ football.”
Shakespeare said the four boys in the Vic Metro squad had acquitted themselves really well in the carnival.
“To have four players in the final Vic Metro squad is really good. Jade got the captaincy against Western Australia and has always been a strong draft prospect.
“The others have come from the lower ranking in TAC Cup.
“To be in the final 25, it shows a realisation of the work ethic it takes.”
The Calder Cannons lost a thriller against the Sandringham Dragons on Sunday.
The Cannons led at quarter-time but found themselves 18 points down at half-time.
In the end, the Cannons fell a goal short, losing 10.5 (65) – 12.5 (77).
