Marshall plays key role in Saints fourth successive win
PORTLAND export Rowan Marshall might have lost the hit-out battle but the St Kilda ruckman had the last laugh last weekend as his side defeated the Gold Coast Suns.
Marshall, who went head-to-head with Sun Noah Moyle, was influential for the Saints at the stoppages, with his 21 hit-outs backed up by a team-high seven clearances in their 53 point win at Marvel Stadium.
The 27 year-old also took six marks to go alongside his 21 possession haul as the Saints enjoyed their best start to a season since 2010.
Koroit product Willem Drew also tasted victory, with Port Adelaide holding on to defeat Sydney by two points after Ollie Florent’s set shot on goal fell short.
The Power clawed their way back from multiple deficits, with Drew collecting 12 possessions and sending the ball inside 50 on six occasions in the win at the SCG.
Cobden’s Zach Merrett also played a key role in Essendon’s third win of the year, with the Bomber kicking a goal from 28 possessions in the triumph over GWS Giants.
Merrett also added five clearances and six tackles to his stat sheet, while he also produced a match-high 629 metres gained when he disposed of the ball.
Fellow Cobden product Gary Rohan tasted success for the first time since his side’s 2022 premiership, with Geelong producing a strong second half display to thump Hawthorn.
The Cats kicked 10 goals in the third term to run out eventual 82 point winners, with Rohan kicking a goal from nine touches.
However, he found himself in trouble with the Match Review Panel for a tackle in the second quarter on Changkuoth Jiang, with Rohan later accepting a one week suspension for the incident.
Brisbane midfielder Hugh McCluggage helped his side end Collingwood’s unbeaten start to the season at the Gabba.
The South Warrnambool export collected 22 touches and laid four tackles and was busy around the stoppages as he also finished with four clearances.
Fellow Rooster Jamarra Ugle-Hagan managed 12 disposals in tough conditions as the Western Bulldogs defeated Richmond by five points at the MCG.
The forward missed two shots on goal but provided a target up forward for the Dogs as they came from behind to win.
Of the beaten brigade, Portland export Jamaine Jones produced another strong game for his club despite their loss to Melbourne.
The West Coast Eagle finished with 22 possessions and laid five tackles against Melbourne.
Fremantle’s Sean Darcy had a strong game against Adelaide’s Riley O’Brien but the Crows took the points at Adelaide Oval.
The ex-Cobden ruckman finished with 17 touches and 38 hit-outs as well as four clearances in the defeat.
Another Cobden product in Ben Cunnington was subbed out during his side’s loss to Carlton.
Cunnington had 10 disposals and two tackles until halfway through the third term when he was replaced on the field by Hugh Greenwood.
Fellow Cobden export Sam Walsh missed the clash through injury but made his return for Carlton against Adelaide on Thursday night.
Lastly, North Warrnambool’s Josh Corbett featured in the WAFL for Peel Thunder and kicked two goals in their four point victory over East Fremantle.
