Power flicks switch

By Paul Pickering
GIPPSLAND Power continued its remarkable form spike in a 90-point win over the sixth-placed Calder Cannons on Sunday.
The Power, which opened its 2010 account with an emphatic victory over the Western Jets the previous weekend, conceded just three goals in a stunning performance on their home turf at Morwell.
The hosts overcame an inaccurate opening to kick 17.13 for the afternoon, including an 11-goal-to-one second half.
Calder was severely undermanned for the round six clash, with a handful of their key players missing due to private school footy commitments.
But that fact did little to dampen the spirit of an inexperienced Gippsland outfit that has suddenly found its mojo.
Hard-nosed midfielder Dale Hoghton, who has been one of the architects of that resurgence, produced one of his finest TAC Cup outings against the Cannons, amassing 26 disposals, 10 tackles, nine marks and three goals in a best-on-ground performance.
The Power led by just 11 points at the first break after registering a wayward 2.5 for the term, but increased that buffer at every change on their way to another confidence-boosting result.
There was plenty for the Gippslanders to celebrate, not least their first triumph in front of a home crowd this season.
Power supporters would have been buoyed by the debut of Pakenham Upper teenager Tom Bugg, whose collected 23 posessions on his return from AIS-AFL Academy duties.
Equally promising was the form of skilful midfielder Ryan Pendlebury, who racked up 25 disposals – including 18 kicks – in his best performance of the season.
Spearhead Jed Lamb received some close attention from his direct opponent in the early stages of Sunday’s game, but showed his strength of character in working free to finish with five majors.
Meanwhile, skipper Dyson Heppell and key position stars Shaun Marusic and Lachie Todd continued their stellar 2010 campaigns.
Heppell is fast proving himself as adept in the engine room as he is across half-back, while Todd and Marusic have contested strongly throughout the first two months of the season.
Heppell, Lamb and Tim Northe will fly the Gippsland flag in this weekend’s Vic Country under-18 trial games, while most of their team-mates return to their home club’s during the TAC Cup bye weekend.
The Power returns to action in a 22 May clash with the Eastern Ranges at Box Hill City Oval.