Saints search for answers

By Ken Moore
NAR NAR GOON put a severe dent in Nyora’s confidence after it crushed the Saints by 82 points.
Nyora recruited well over summer but only have the one win to show for it and while it is still relatively early days they will need to improve dramatically from here on in to be a part of this season’s finals action.
To give them their dues they have had a very tough draw and missed five senior players on Saturday, but the difference on the scoreboard hinted the Goon would still comfortably account for them again – all things being equal.
Nar Nar Goon’s midfielders and forwards worked in unison all game and its victory suggested it had learned a lot from its scare against the Dusties the previous week.
Initially the Goon struggled to penetrate a resolute Nyora defence.
However, as the pace of the game lessened in the second quarter it forged ahead with a five-goal-to-three term to open up a handy 22-point break at half time.
During the second quarter the ball winning ability of Matt Wade carved up the Nyora midfield.
Chris Jones was a central figure across centre-half forward while coach Clint Williams and elusive recruit Kevin Quinn were also a driving force.
In the third quarter the Goon flexed its muscles and with a six-goal-to-one quarter put the result beyond any doubt.
The home side were equally impressive in the last term kicking another seven goals to boost their percentage, which could come in very handy at the end of the season because only two teams can secure a double chance position, and surely the Goon will be one of the contenders in the mix.
After a sensational debut in round five, VFL Frankston recruit Brett Dore impressed once again taking many strong marks across the forward line and he also did well when moved midfield often changing with Clint Williams, which kept plenty of experience in and around the centre.
Chris Adams both offered drive off the half back line and kept close tabs on Nyora coach Corrie Wilson.
Brent Hughes did little wrong across half back.
Ash Tivendale quelled Paul Youle and after the big Catani recruit played an influential role in the first half while half back Spencer Noonan propelled the ball forward at regular intervals.
Dean Kelly sacrificed his usual attacking game to stymie the output of Saint Star recruit Darryl Thomas, who was dangerous early.
Luke McConnell kicked four goals including three in the last quarter to be the most productive of 10 individual goal scorers for the Goon.
Nick Henwood, who recently crossed from Pakenham, played more than a serviceable game and used the ball intelligently with his left foot kicks.
For Nyora, Doveton recruit and ruckman Clint Wilson won plenty of taps and picked up many disposals around the ground.
Nick Fairbank and Clinton Yapp repelled many threatening attacks and small forward Aiden Cumberland pitched in with many handy possessions.
Regular defender Andrew Collis made his presence felt across the forward line, newcomer Nick Carrigy caught the eye with two goals and Fiatupu Too Too did well in bursts to curb the dominance of Dore.