By Tara Murray
The Calder Cannons had reason to smile at the weekend, with the club claiming its first win of the NAB League season.
After a couple of big losses, the Cannons put in a much better performance on Saturday against the Western Jets.
Cannons’ coach Ross Smith said they had learnt a lot in the first couple of the weeks of the season.
“We had a tough couple of games against the top two sides.
“We got belted in the first round and that was soul destroying for the boys,” he said.
“Last week was a lot better. There isn’t much between the other sides though.”
The Cannons were able to put those lessons into practice against the Jets.
They looked to be in control for much of the game, before the Jets reduced the margin to three points at the final break.
The Cannons responded and went on to win 10.14 (74)-9.8 (62).
Smith said he was pleased with the output. The Cannons had more control of the ball in the middle of the ground and easily won the inside 50s.
“In the first part of third quarter, the ball spent a lot of time in our forward line,” Smith said. “They then made a challenge and brought it back to within a kick.
“I asked for our 19-year-olds to stand up and they did that, along with a couple of 17-year-olds who had been quiet.
“I think [the Jets] they had spent their tickets in the first three quarters.”
Smith said Tye Browning led the way in the final quarter, along with Daniel Mott.
PHOTO GALLERY: Calder Cannons vs Western Jets
He said Harrison Minton-Connell was their best player all day. Jackson Cardillo, Jake Sutton, Jack Keeping and Flynn Lakey were others to show some good signs.
Smith said the Cannons were happy with how the squad had come together, with a lot of talent coming through.
There are four 19-year-olds in the squad, along with a good mix of 18 and 17-year-olds. They also had 10, 16-year-olds play in the practice matches.
The Cannons have six players named in the Vic Metro squad, ahead of practice matches this weekend. Brodie Newman, Daniel Mott and Campbell Edwardes were all named in the initial squad, with Sam Ramsay, Curtis Brown and Harrison Jones since added.
Ramsay could be in some doubt for the matches after copping a heavy blow to the face from the football on Saturday.
The Cannons this week face Tasmania down in Tasmania.
Smith said they were looking forward to hitting the road.
“It’s good for the group,” he said. “They are a really tight group and hopefully this will make them even closer.”
MORE NAB LEAGUE NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/calder-cannons-come-out-firing/
