EDFL review – round 7

By Ken Moore
KOOWEERUP remains in contention for a top six berth after a comprehensive 48-point victory over Bunyip on Saturday. It was the Demons most consistent performance this season – illustrated by the fact it scored no less than 29 points a quarter.
Kooweerup built a platform for victory with five first quarter goals to take a 25-point lead into the quarter time huddle. Star utility Ben Miller ignited the home side with three first term goals, and he was fed a steady supply line by midfielders Jason Williams, Rhys Morgan and Josh Winter, while strong ruck work by Matt Cameron ensured the home side had the better of the stoppages and throw ins.
Bunyip held their own in the second quarter and the game exploded to life in the third term when the Bulldogs scored the first three majors to reduce the margin to 15 points before the Demons rallied with the last four goals of the term to extend the point difference to 39 at the last change.
Bunyip showed a lot of persistence, but could not make any inroads in the last quarter.
For Kooweerup, aside from Miller, Morgan and Winter, who were super, full back Craig Dyker was a tower of strength, assistant coach Lachlan Gillespie and Gavin Marusic were busy through the middle and 16-year-old wingman Jarrod Edwards played a composed game and looks a likely type. Bonnie Doon recruit Travis Scott did some nice things and notched three goals and Tooradin recruit Jarrod Thompson gathered many important disposals and nipped in with two goals. It was the Demons third consecutive win, their highest score for the season and their newcomers now appear to be starting to gel.
For Bunyip, solidly-built youngster Jed Saik kicked three goals and may be an answer to their goalscoring worries. Troy Lehman, who is still eligible for the under-18s, eked out over 20 possessions in only his second senior game and ROC recruit and regular defender Chris Savage moved into the centre and used his body strength well.
As usual, ruck rover Michael Whyte won heaps of the ball, Andy Henwood was combative in defence and Nick Visser played his best game since he crossed to the Bulldogs from Warragul Industrials. The Bulldogs’ endeavour could not be questioned, however, their decision making and kicking often lacked the polish required at senior level.
Bunyip coach Steve Henwood wasn’t too disappointed with his charges. “I can’t be too dirty on them, we had plenty of the ball and in general, most of our blokes played well,” he said.