On Saturday 5th April the Northern Knights hosted our first home game of 2014 at Preston City Oval against the Sandringham Dragons. Coming off a confidence boosting victory the week before against Calder the Knights were looking for a fast start to continue where they left off. Unfortunately it was Sandy who got the fast start with a four goal to one opening quarter. The Dragons added three more quickly after quarter time to lead by 37 points. Sandringham’s pressure on the Knights was relentless not allowing Northern to play their natural game. Finally the Knights were able to get some clean football forward to Reece McKenzie who goaled followed by another major to Matt Perry. When Billy Murphy kicked a long goal just before the half time break the Knights had started to fight back and had dragged the margin to a manageable 19 points at the long break. The Dragons steadied after the change with the first three goals of the third quarter and the margin was back out to 38 points before Liam Hunt roved a pack inside 50 and kicked a lovely snap goal. Sandringham however continued to pile on the pressure and added a further three goals to one to take a 46 point lead into the final quarter. The Knights battled hard in the last as injuries throughout the day took their toll on the rotations. Goals to Zac Ballard and Jake Wild kept the Knights in the contest but the eventually the Dragons prevailed by 40 points. Jordan Perry worked tirelessly through the midfield all day while bottom aged players Jacob Booth & Brayden Fiorini played their roles well across half back. Zac Ballard showed some good signs in his first game of the season and Ryan Tester continued his good early season form down back. This week the Knights head over to Box Hill City Oval as we look to bounce back against last year’s premiers the Eastern Ranges. The match starts at 11:30am and will be broadcast live on TAC Cup Radio.
Last Modified on 17/04/2014 15:35