By Nick Creely
Turning heads in the crowd, and defenders on the field, it was some sort of performance from Monbulk star Shane Williams on Saturday.
Coming back from a recent injury, the star Hawk put in one of the individual performances of the season, slotting 10 goals in an effort that saw Pakenham slump to its first loss of the Division 1 season, 14.15 (99) to 7.6 (48).
In modern day footy, it’s a sublime effort, and a reminder of his capabilities regardless of what position he’s playing in. Possessing quick hands, agility, and genuine footy smarts, Williams made life difficult for the Lions, who simply couldn’t contain him for long enough to get the game on their terms.
And it now means the Hawks are the only undefeated side of the competition, a feat not lost on coach Andrew Williams, who said that his side were building nicely ahead of many challenges ahead, and were looking forward to continue developing their brand.
“Obviously coming into the season, there was an unknown of where sides were going to match up, and I think the results are starting to prove any team can beat anyone on any given day,” he told the Gazette.
“It is a very pleasing start to the year, but we’ve certainly got our biggest challenges ahead of us.
“It comes down our training and developing a style of play which we think can match and stand up against any opposition on any sized ground, and I think that’s been the main thing, and making sure when we do train, we have the right habits.
“It certainly gives you confidence going into any team we play against.”
The Hawks had 12 scoring shots to two in the first term against the Lions at home, surging out to a 30-point lead, and continued on their merry way to hold the visitors at bay, with Williams completely dominating the game with five majors in each half.
His coach said that it was one of the finest performances he’s seen in local football, praising his star sharpshooter – who now has 15 goals for the season – for his flexibility in the lineup and ability to play the role required to help his team, whether it’s through the midfield or as a focal point in attack.
“We were pretty happy to have him back in the team, he obviously missed the Emerald game with injury, and he was still not 100 per cent (this weekend), but he was able to give us that contest in the forward line,” he said.
“It’s just the way he competes that’s impressive, he hits up the footy really well and his hands are really clean.
“From our end, I couldn’t speak highly enough about him.”
Despite sitting on top of the Division 1 ladder with a 5-0 record and a percentage of 173.39, one area that Williams is hoping that his side can improve on is inaccuracy in front of goal, with the Hawks kicking a total of 57.88 for the season, a goal kicking accuracy of fewer than 40 per cent.
“I think our challenge will always be making sure we’re making the most of our opportunities going forward,” he said.
“Our inaccuracy this year’s been probably not noted by any opposition that’s seen our scores, and that’s one of things, against Mount Evelyn a few weeks ago we nearly kicked ourselves out of the game, and if sides take their chances, any side can beat anyone.
“On the weekend, a lot of the points were from a fair way out, and sometimes if you’ve got a shot on goal from on your range, it’s a decision to make, and I’ll back our guys if they feel like they have a realistic chance.
“That’s tended to be where a lot of our inaccuracy has come from, obviously Shane Williams had a day out, and certainly made the most of his opportunities.
“But for most part, if you’ve got the footy inside 50 enough, you’ll give yourself plenty of chances to score, and I think we’re converting our opportunities into scores.
“For us, it’s just about turning them into goals.”
In another great day for the Hawks, Ash Beck and Mitch Veit were important, while for the Lions, Josh Tynan was named best.
Officer, meanwhile, made it two on trot and surged into fifth position with an in the end comfortable win against Belgrave, 14.11 (95) to 8.12 (60).
The Kangaroos – who are working their way back after a sluggish start to the season – were pushed by the Magpies for most of the game, but showed plenty of maturity to get the four points in the end.
Finding so much-needed touch in the forward half, big man Sean Roach and Matthew Clarke slotted four apiece to be the two most influential players on the ground, while the Kangaroos as a whole managed to find that run and spark that made them one of the most exciting sides in the competition in 2018.
Kangaroos coach Doug Koop said it was pleasing to respond when challenged late in the game, and was impressed with his side’s ability to take the game on.
“Belgrave were certainly very competitive and it was encouraging to see our players respond when pushed late in the game,” he said.
“Our playing group will take a number of valuable lessons away from the performance.
“It taken a few weeks but we’re finally starting to run, find space and take advantage of our leg speed which was a key differences on the weekend.”
Others to impress for the Kangaroos were Daniel Ellett, Will Hanson, veteran Ben Tivendale and defender Stephen Heppel, while Josh Richmond slotted three for the Magpies to take his season tally to 14.
In the remaining matches of Division 1 across the weekend, Mount Evelyn enjoyed a strong weekend at home, knocking off Doveton by 41 points, 15.13 (103) to 8.14 (62).
The Rovers continue to plug away in what has been an impressive start to the season, with Robert Hartfield’s stellar season continuing with another bag of six goals, while Callum Urquhart was influential.
And Emerald picked up their first win of the season, defeating Warburton Millgrove by 98 points in a terrific performance at home, 18.18 (126) to 4.4 (28).
Kieren Burns and Jake Pedder combined for nine goals to put the Burras to the sword. Pedder was awarded the Kade Simpson Medal as best afield in a brilliant performance.
