Northern Knights put together a strong performance to defeat the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup on Saturday.
The confrontation between the two northern-based teams was an intriguing match-up, as just half a game separated theM on the ladder.
The Knights got the jump early on, before the Cannons fought back in the middle quarters.
The Knights steadied to eventually secure a 8.12 (60)-5.9 (39) victory.
Knights coach Justin Wenke said it was a good performance from his boys.
Wenke almost didn’t coach the game, with a back injury leaving him struggling to walk.
He said it was the start and end of the game that got them the win.
“The players were awesome and started well,” he said. “We haven’t been beaten in a first quarter this year.
“They charged at us and we had a really poor second quarter.
“The first 10 minutes of the second quarter were played in our front half and we kicked three points.
“They went forward and made the most of their opportunities.
“We kicked 2.6 for the third quarter … we told the boys at three-quarter time, ‘Don’t go into your shell … try and win the game’.
“We moved a few boys around and we kicked four of the last six goals.”
Braedyn Gillard and James Lucente kicked two goals apiece for the Knights.
Wenke said Brody Bell in the midfield, Tom Hallebone in the ruck, Joel Naylor at both ends of the ground and Ryan Sturgess were his side’s best players.
For the Cannons, Curtis Taylor was named the best.
The result leaves the Knights sitting 3-3-1 after seven rounds.
Wenke said after not knowing what to expect this season, his players had been more than competitive.
“We’ve had a tough draw,” he said. “We’ve been competitive and there’s about 35 points difference between us and the top sides.
“We’ve had some good form against the teams in the middle part of the ladder.
“We keep improving each week. We’ve got a winnable game this week against the Eastern Ranges … if we win that, we’re probably not far off where we were after eight games last year.”
The Knights have four players left in the Vic Metro under-18 squad – Mark Baker, Hallebone, Tom McKenzie and Ryan Gardner.
