By RUSSELL BENNETT
GEMBROOK Cockatoo easily disposed of its 2012 grand final conqueror Woori Yallock in the first round of the new Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League (YVMDFL) season on Saturday, taking the points in impressive fashion 18.12 (120) to 8.20 (68).
The Tigers have defeated the Brookers in the season decider twice in the past three years, but Gembrook was having none of it on the weekend – dominating from the outset.
Kicking with the breeze in the first term, the Brookers piled on seven unanswered goals to take control of the clash by the quarter time siren.
New faces to the Brookers’ senior line-up Robbie Stewart, and Daniel and Andrew Field imposed their will on the contest and look to play a key role the season in the side’s already much-vaunted midfield.
Former league best-and-fairest winner and new Brookers coach Ricky Clark put in a best on ground performance, seemingly clearing the ball out of the centre congestion with ease and making the normally silky Woori midfield look second rate.
Shane Williams, and A.J. Walker – off the back of a somewhat interrupted pre-season due to a successful premiership campaign with the Emerald District cricket side – showcased their speed and core strength through the middle of the ground, and each finished with impressive running goals.
Woori will no doubt be hoping the clash served as a wake-up call, as the side was thoroughly outplayed all over the ground.
Versatile Brookers utility Andrew Shipp was invaluable for his side, setting up play from half-back to half-forward. Nathan Leversha looked composed deep in the backline and was rarely troubled, while coach Ricky’s twin brother Lee showed enough to suggest he will make a deadly tandem with big Shannon Richardson deep in the Gembrook forward line this season. But he may have to wait a week or two for another chance to showcase his imposing skills – leaving the field early on Saturday with a back strain.
In other local action, Emerald saw off the freshly-promoted Belgrave in a tighter encounter at Chandler Reserve.
The Bombers eventually walked away two-goal winners, but only their inaccurate kicking kept the Magpies in touch on the scoreboard. Emerald kicked 9.18 to Belgrave’s 8.12.
Though the Pies were missing a couple of key players – including spearhead Mitch Collins – Emerald proved too strong all over the ground with Justin Davis adjudged best afield. Steve Wright was also one of the Bombers’ standouts in his return to the side after a stint with Lilydale in the Eastern Football League (EFL).
Emerald will travel to Upwey this Saturday to take on Upwey Tecoma, while Gembrook is also on the road – against Mount Evelyn.
