ANZAC Day Football was a huge success at Hanlon Park with a big crowd watching traditional rivals Portland and Hamilton Kangaroos. The Kangaroos were far superior in the first half, leading by 73 points and 7 goal haul from Kangaroos forward Darcy Russell. Hamilton plays a high octane brand of football under new coach Brad Thomas, and it will scare many sides this season, especially their impressive running capabilities. Portland looked more sound in the second half, outscoring Hamilton and displaying better ball movement, especially Tom Sharp, who was super impressive with 32 disposals and 4 goals.
Grundy Milestone
North Warrnambool will have multiple celebrations at Bushfield Oval this weekend, with Jackson Grundy lining up in his 100th senior game and the 30 year celebration of the 1994 Northern Districts premiership win. What a young player Jackson is becoming. His last two seasons have been phenomenal, which has included representation in the U23 HFNL Interleague Team and selection in the HFNL Team of the Year. Jackson, a hard working midfielder who can go forward and hit the scoreboard, is an emerging leader, having been on the Eagles leadership team for the past few seasons. He is a terrific player and will be a great long-term player in the HFNL.
Motlop Dominates
We are very fortunate in the Hampden League this season so many high profile players have come into the competition. Last weekend we saw the brilliance of former Geelong and Port Adelaide midfielder Steven Motlop. The former Cat had 50 disposals in a best on ground performance, he also took 15 marks and kicked two goals. The quality coming from the AFL and State Leagues is second to none and their output so far has been impressive.
League Stats Leaders
1. Steve Motlop: 50 disposals – 41 kicks, 9 handballs, 15 marks
2. Patty Smith: 45 disposals – 23 kicks, 22 handballs, 12 clearances
3. Toby Jennings: 35 disposals – 23 kicks, 12 handballs, 11 clearances
4. Jarryd Lewis: 35 disposals – 24 kicks, 11 handballs, 11 marks
5. Brody Mahoney: 33 disposals – 18 kicks, 15 handballs, 8 tackles.
Round 4 Matches
Warrnambool vs Camperdown (Reid Oval)
North Warrnambool vs Terang Mortlake (Bushfield Oval)
Port Fairy vs Cobden (Gardens Oval)
See you at the Footy.
Hilly
