By Jonty Ralphsmith
The Gippsland Power boys started their season on the right foot, getting a comfortable win over Murray Bushrangers in their first match of the season.
Gippsland pulled away when kicking with the wind in the third quarter with Ryan Maric’s conversion in that quarter proving important in giving his team momentum.
There was an even spread of contributors, with captain Seb Amoroso among them, adjusting to his new midfield role with aplomb after playing as a pressure forward in 2022.
“It was a really great captain’s game – we’ve transitioned him into the midfield I thought his decisions with the ball especially when the pace was on early was excellent in the third quarter,” said coach Rhett McLennan.
“When we needed a spark in the midfield, he led the group well and ended up with some real quality inside 50s to advantage which our forwards were able to get on the end of.
“He talks well and leads by example with the energy around the group and energy around the ball he provides.”
Lane Ward was another on the ball who helped give the Power momentum throughout the afternoon, while highly-regarded Vic Country midfielder-forward Zane Duursma put on a clinic with 24 disposals and a goal.
“Zane played more mid than forward this week. His defensive pressure, which has been a little bit of a knock, especially early last year, and his effort and his ability to get down and dirty in the contest was extremely good.”
Tom Stern, a 194 centimetre athletic and physical presence behind the ball, and fellow defender Patrick Ireland also played their part in the victory, withholding a tall Murray forward-line.
Maric, Asher Eastham and AFL academy member Archer Reid — the brother of Essendon’s Zach — combined for 10 goals up forward while Wil Dawson and Reid’s ruck battle all day was tantalising.
“We thought both our rucks did a fantastic job against a couple of really big boys from Murray – their ability to follow up from the ruck contest and act as another on-baller on the ground gave us a real advantage out of stoppage and we were really pleased with their performances,” McLennan said.
“Wil was very clean below his knees and had good moments and ‘Reidy’ took a little bit to get into the game but he was a decisive factor with some decisive marks and goals.”
Liam Serong – the brother of AFL-listed Caleb and Jai – meanwhile, was rested. The league limits the number of 19-year-olds that can play per match with Serong, who trained with Fremantle in preseason to try and win a list spot, sitting out round one.
Next up for McLennan’s men is Dandenong on Good Friday after a weekend off.
