Round 1 saw the only game of the round being played out in sweltering heat at Wongan Hills. First signs of a steady season ahead for the Eagles saw new Reserves Coach Aaron Crofts and his team arrive at the empty grounds an hour and a half before bounce-down. Bit keen Crofty??
And so the first siren of Season 2013 sounded. Straight from the offset, Gingin out-paced and out-skilled the ageing Wongan Reserves side. Captain Jarred Carter led by example and provided steady centre clearances made easier by the leaping gazelle himself, ruckman Bradley 'Cookie' Cook. New-guy Christopher 'Doggy' Anderson proved himself a handy pick up for the club as a reliable rover and also snagged a goal. Jarrad Sewell, the sides leading goal kicker for a number of years now, booted a decent 9 goals. Though Sewelly seems to be getting slower every year and is by far the clubs number one tape-user, Sewelly's accuracy in front of goal doesnt seem to have been compromised, no doubt a major relief for the club. Reliable down back was young-gun trio Andrew Yukich, Jack Heanni and Jayden Williams who, with other backline players, kept their opposition to just 1 point all game. Best player on the field was awarded to Nathan Sims (aka Ballaz), a new recruit for the club and mates with 'all round Mr nice-guy' Sean O'brien. Ballaz bagged 6 goals and pushed up the ground to help the midfielders out when needed. The final score read Gingin 23.18.156 to Wongan 0.1.1. All-in-all a great start to the season. Well done Crofty.
The Gingin Reserves side had certainly set a standard for the League team and pre-season rumours surrounding Wongan's new WAFL recruits no doubt had the team nervous. Ther nerves were shaken pretty quickly, though, as the fast-paced, high-skilled game left no room for second-guesses. The boys were up to the challenge and kept a steady lead up until half time when Wongan ran out of legs and the score blew out to a 67 point victory (Gingin 7.11.113 to Wongan 6.10.46). Chris 'Bluey' Samata provided great defensive pressure through the middle to give other centre-men Ben King and Mitch Cocking every oppertunity for run and forward-line penetration. Ex-South Freo Bulldog Matt Oliveri was a standout in smart-play and was accurate all game. Returning 'Gingin boy' Matt Bycroft was also good until he took a hard knock in the 3rd quarter which had him sidelined for the rest of the match. Trusty Geoff Rouse kicked 5 and was helped out by new-guy and good mate Justin Mackeon. A great team effort and hard-fought game by both sides despite the final score. Who knows, with a few games under their belt and better 4-quarter consistancy Wongan could very likely prove to be a top 4 side this season.
Round 2 next Sunday. Gingin host reigning premiers Dowerin at home. Should be a great match so get down to support the boys hopefully add another win to the board!
Last Modified on 15/04/2013 13:16