A HEALTHY half time lead allowed the Mountain Men to notch up their fifth consecutive win, with a 29-point victory over Tatong at the weekend.
Bright started the game in strong fashion booting 10 first half goals, while restricting the Magpies to just two majors.
But the home side clawed back after the main break and got within a goal in the last term, before the Mountain Men steadied, kicking four quick goals to seal the win.
Coach Ryan Kent believed a negative feeling crept into the rooms at the main break, allowing Tatong to get back into the game.
"Just on reflection, we were probably a little bit over critical of where we were at halftime," Kent said.
"It put a bit of negativity into some of the younger kids, and obviously after halftime, to Tatong's credit they came out and played some good footy and caught us off guard.
"I suppose when you've got a bit of a negative mindset it's hard to get yourself back into the swing of things.
"We were eventually able to get over the line, whereas last year we might not have, but we've got good enough players, and enough of them to stand up and spread the load so we could get over the line."
With their backs up against the wall in the final term, Kent praised the likes of 18 year-old Tom McDonagh, who was again a crucial part of the victory.
"When he decides he wants to win a game, he can do it by himself," he said.
"When he went into the ruck in the last quarter and obviously kicked four goals in the first quarter - he set the game up for us and obviously closed it out."
Kent was also impressed with Joel Buis who played his first senior game of the year and 17 year-old Jesse Thomson, who backed up a best on ground performance with the Alpine Eagles with a solid debut in the seniors.
"Jesse Thomson played his first senior game and was fantastic," he said.
"He set up two goals in the first quarter with forward line pressure and tackles and kicked a nice goal in the second.
"He's a good player - whenever he gets it he usually does something with it."
This weekend Bright takes on the struggling Glenrowan, who suffered an embarrassing 345-point loss at the weekend, before its tough run home starting in a fortnight.
By - ALEX BAIRD.
www.nenews.com.au
TALL TIMBER: Brad Nightingale wins a hitout against Tatong's Anthony Welsh.
PHOTO: Tom Wesley
Last Modified on 20/06/2012 13:32
