Calder Cannons are the TAC Cup minor premiers. The Cannons beat Northern Knights 14.10 (94) to 10.12 (72) on Saturday, and then took top spot after Oakleigh Chargers had a shock two-point loss to North Ballarat Rebels.
They have been catching eyes all season, and the Calder Cannons group found its best again in the second half of their Saturday morning clash with Northern Knights.
PICTURE GALLERY | Calder Cannons v Northern Knights
Ten goals between the dynamic duo of Jayden Foster (six) and Peter Wright (four) – as well as a terrific sacrificial job from Reilly O’Brien and a stunning midfield – gave the Cannons a strong win,
However, it was tough going early. The Knights were out of finals contention but came to play early, pushing the second-placed Cannons throughout the first half. It took Calder 16 minutes to get on the board, with Hisham Kerbatieh nailing a goal.
They took a slim five-point lead into quarter-time but the Knights were more impressive in the second term, taking a six-point lead.
Reece McKenzie had looked dangerous for the Knights, but in a smart move O’Brien was moved onto him and the influence of the Knights’ best forward was quelled.
It was one of the catalysts for a big third term for the Cannons, who jumped out to a 25-point lead. Foster and Wright had carte blanche to do as they pleased up forward, and as the Cannons’ midfield lifted they became regular targets.
Foster had six to three-quarter time, giving him 39 for the season, and Wright came to the party in with 29 touches, 14 marks and four goals.
Cannons development manager Len Villani praised the team for turning it around.
“The Knights brought their game early and they made us a bit stupid to be honest,” he said. “We weren’t giving them the respect they deserved and they punished us.
“Once we started playing our style in the second half, playing on, moving the ball quickly, we were hard to contain.
“The glitz and glamour were Pete and Fozzy but it all started with Reilly down back, he sacrificed his game after McKenzie was getting away from us early.
“It was really impressive.”
