Round 5 v Gippsland Power Match Report
Tim Michell
THE Cannons are on the board in 2016.
Calder travelled to Morwell on Saturday in search of a breakthrough victory after a tough opening to the TAC Cup season and made the perfect start.
Karl Brown booted five goals in the first quarter, running amok at Morwell Reserve to give the Cannons a 25-point quarter-time buffer.
Zach Guthrie and contested ball magnet Brad Bernacki also played important roles for the visitors as Calder’s lead stretched to 43 at the main break.
But Gippsland refused to lie down, fighting back in the third quarter to cut the margin to 22 points at three-quarter-time.
Brown increased his haul to 9.1 by the final siren, with the Cannons slamming on seven final-quarter goals to bank a 19.8 (122) to 10.10 (70) triumph.
Calder coach Andrew Johnston said several areas the Cannons had been working hard on came to fruition against the Power.
“We got off to a good start, Browny kicked five in the first quarter,” he said.“We set the scene early. They came at us in the third quarter, but we got away with a good win.”
Jaidyn Owen, Jack Reaper and Tyson Lever were also named among the side’s best players.
Johnston said first-year TAC Cup player Bernacki’s attack of the football had been impressive.
“As a 17-year-old, his willingness to compete and (win) contested possession is second to none at the moment,” he said.
“And Guthrie has just been consistent, he’s got better and better with each game. Saturday was his best game for us, down back, taking contested marks and punching when he needs to.”
Nine Cannons remain in contention for the Vic Metro squad for this year’s Under-18 National Championships.
Calder is next in action on Saturday from 1pm against Murray Bushrangers at RAMS Arena.
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Player of the week: Karl Brown – The Essendon Doutta Stars junior finished with a haul of 9
Last Modified on 06/07/2016 11:01
