By David Nagel
The glorious theme songs of Cora Lynn, Garfield and Kooweerup could be heard echoing through the famous grounds of all three clubs on Saturday after an electrifying opening round of WGFNC football.
Cora Lynn took a huge step forward in a gutsy win over perennial finalists Tooradin-Dalmore, while Garfield proved far too strong at home for arch-rival Bunyip.
And Kooweerup, well the Demons kicked seven goals to four after half time to rubber stamp the tenure of new coach Dale Alanis with a well-celebrated victory over Dalyston.
While Nar Nar Goon was making a statement of its own at Spencer Street on Saturday, Cora Lynn had to wait for its bright lights to be turned on before it could showcase its wares in a night clash against the Seagulls.
A torrid-opening had the Gulls ahead by four points at quarter time, but the Cobras sprung to life with a classy 6.2 to 2.3 second term.
It was the defining period of the match, and showcased the dual threats the Cobras possess this season.
Nathan Gardiner, coming off a century of goals last year, kicked four; a total matched by former Casey Demon Will Stephenson on Saturday night.
Stephenson has a touch of class and is going to be a real handful for all opposition this year.
The Cobras gained great drive and service from Jimmy Munro in the middle, while Cory Machaya and key defender Luke Black were also instrumental figures in the 11.6(72) to 9.9.(63) victory.
This will be a real confidence-booster for the Cobras, who pushed reigning-champions Inverloch-Kongwak to nine points in the season-opener at Inverloch.
The Cobras have class and experience all over the ground, but expect players such as Lachlan Coverdale, Jett Edwards and Max McDermott to really blossom this year.
This was an early setback for new Tooradin-Dalmore coach Jordan Kelly, who would have been proud of his team’s effort after half time.
That second-quarter fadeout proved costly, but players such as Xavier Shinners and Matt Buntine – who kicked three and two goals respectively – showed the quality that should see the Gulls playing finals football again this season.
Brad Lenders continued his rock-solid form from 2023, while key-tall Ray Lengyel fought hard around the ground.
The Cobras head to Phillip Island this weekend, while Kelly will look to open his coaching account when the Seagulls host Kilcunda-Bass on the banks of the Westernport.
Kooweerup recruit Josh Bateman came to the club with huge credentials this year; and certainly, lived up to the hype in the Demons hard-fought 13.12(90) to 10.12(72) victory over Dalyston.
Bateman was everywhere for the Demons, forging a strong combination with Matt Voss and Mitch Cammarano through the midfield, while also bobbing up with three goals.
The Demons looked set for a comfortable victory at quarter time, but the Magpies had scores level at half time after wiping away a 17-point deficit.
Kooweerup then edged clear in the third, before fending off a strong challenge from the Magpies in the final term.
Cammarano added two goals to his solid game through the midfield, a total matched by the classy Nathan Voss and hard-working Bailey Galante.
Hayden Wallis snared four goals for the Pies, and youngster Jaxon Foon two, while veteran Blake Crew and star midfielder Curtis Murfett also tried hard for the visitors.
Kooweerup heads to Inverloch this weekend, while Mitch Hallahan and his Magpies will look to open their account in a home clash against Garfield.
The Stars were pushed until half time against Bunyip, before surging clear with a six-goal third quarter on their way to a 10.13(73) to 4.6(30) triumph at Beswick Street.
Scores were level at the main break, before kicking 6.4 to 1.1 in the premiership quarter to seal the Bulldogs fate.
The Stars had nine players hit the scoreboard, with Callum Tyler kicking two, and eight others all on the single goal-kicking list.
Co-coach Rhys Murphy led the way for Garfield, while Joel Batson continued his sparkling form from last year.
2023 best and fairest winner Alex Dijkstra was best on for the Bulldogs, who had Jason Williams and Tahj Murphy in good form around the ground.
Garfield heads to Dalyston this week, while Bunyip will be up against it when it welcomes Nar Nar Goon to the kennel.
In other games this week, Inverloch-Kongwak gradually overpowered Warragul Industrials in an impressive 19.12(126) to 9.2(56) victory at Western Park.
The Sea Eagles got better as the game wore on, kicking two, four and five goals in the opening three quarters, before powering away with an eight-goal final blast.
Nick Baltas was simply supreme for the Eagles, booting seven in a best-on-ground display, while classy mid-forward Oscar Toussaint chimed in with three.
Grand final best on ground Will Hams was at it again for the Eagles, while Ethan Park, Paul Pattison and ruckman Clint McCaughan rounded out an impressive best-players list.
The uncompromising Nic Visser kicked four for the Dusties, while the left foot of Luke Walker chimed in with two.
After a tough initiation to 2024, the Dusties will look to open their account when they host Korumburra-Bena, while the Eagles roll out the red-carpet for Kooweerup.
And in the final game of round one, Kilcunda-Bass easily accounted for Korumburra-Bena, 12.16(88) to 5.7(37) at Bass.
Anthony Daraio booted four for the Panthers, and Dean McRae and Owen Thomas two each, while recruit Jayden Goumas joined Nathan Foote in a sparkling midfield display.
Evan Allaway, Kye Benson and Paul Fermanis were all named best for the Giants.
