Knights, Cannons start with wins

Northern Knights Charlie Opie gets out of a pack. (Jacob Pattison)322002_05

The Northern Knights started their season with a thrilling win against Greater Western Sydney Academy on Saturday in the Coates Talent League.

The Knights started their season at Highgate Reserve, in the first match of a big day of action.

The Giants took the early lead, with two first quarter goals, while the Knights were without a goal in the opening quarter.

The Knights started to hit the scoreboard in the second quarter and were able to reduce the margin to five points at the main break.

The Knights were able to hit the front in the third quarter, but the lead could have been greater, as they kicked 3.10 for the term.

The two teams were able to go goal for goal in the final quarter, with the Knights holding on to win 5.19 (49)-6.6 (42).

It was all single goal kickers for the Knights, with Jesse Dattoli, Archie Franklin, Zac Johnson, Charlie Naish and Flynn Riley kicking goals.

Aleksandr D’Arro led the way with 25 possessions, while Kristian Ferronato and Johnson had 22 possessions each.

Charlie Connell-Tobin and Jack Chubb were named the Knights best.

Meanwhile the Knights had earlier in the week named Christian Mardini and Will Green as co-captains this season.

Lulu Beatty and Evie Lee have been appointed the Knights girls co-captains.

Meanwhile, the Calder Cannons boys side also started its season with a win.

Facing the Gold Coast Suns Academy on Sunday, the Cannons led by two points at the first break.

Three goals to one in the second quarter increased the Cannons lead to 15 points at half time.

The margin increased to 20 points in the third quarter and with a goal apiece in the final quarter, were able to win, 8.9 (57)-5.7 (37).

Isaac Kako kicked two goals for the Cannons, the only multiple goal kicker for his side.

Harry O’Farrell, Corey Barbaro and Nash King were named the Cannons best in the win.

The Cannons will be back at Highgate Reserve on Saturday, this time against the Sandringham Dragons.

The Northern Knights will hit the road, travelling to Wangaratta to face the Murray Bushrangers.

The Knights and Cannons girls sides will kick off their seasons this weekend too.

The Knights girls side will also head to Wangaratta to face the Bushrangers, while the Cannons will face Dragons on Saturday afternoon.