The Calder Cannons flexed their muscles in the final quarter to defeat Geelong Falcons in a rare night TAC Cup clash at Simmonds Stadium on Friday.
In a tight first three quarters, with momentum switching between the two teams, the Cannons led at every change, eventually drawing away to win 15.12 (102) to 9.13 (66).
Cannons coach Andrew Jago said the side was excited to have the opportunity to play at night.
“It’s the first time since I’ve been at the club that we’ve played a night match, and we got do it on one of the best surfaces in Australia,” he said.
Jago said neither team was able to dominate the first three quarters.
“It was a balance of offensive and defensive play. When they were in control, we had to defend and when we had the ball we were able to get the offensive run going.
“The momentum swung in the first half, with 10 minutes one way then 10 minutes the other.
“In the second term they had 75 per cent of the play, and in the third we had 75 per cent of it.
“I challenged the boys at three-quarter-time to continue that into the last quarter.”
Peter Wright kicked six goals in the second half, but was beaten in the first half by Falcon Zaine Cordy. Both players were named among the best for their sides.
Wright, Matt Goodyear, Jayden Foster and Nicholas O’Kearney were best on ground for the Cannons.
“Our upper echelon is playing well. The challenge is to continue playing that way and get everyone involved,’’ Jago said.
The Cannons have this weekend off due to the opening round of the NAB under-18 national championships.
Jago said several Cannons, including Wright, Goodyear, O’Kearney, Touk Miller, Ben Allan, Victor Carboni and Paul Ahern, were in
the squad for Vic Metro’s first game against Vic Country.
“They are very composed and very coachable so they will follow [head coach] David Flood’s instructions easily.” Jago said Cannons not playing for Vic Metro would likely play for their local clubs this weekend.
