Swan Reach has scored its first win of the season in round 11 of the Omeo and District Football Netball League (ODFNL).
The Swans certainly got the sniff of victory early, winning comprehensively by 71 points on the road against a Buchan side that is struggling.
Swan Reach kicked seven goals to three in a high scoring opening term, and at 13 majors to four at half time, the game was as good as over.
The young Buchan side played some good football in the second half but the damage was done.
Max Solomon returned to Swan Reach side and slotted seven goals in an impressive return, well supported by Boris Bryant and Harley Whelan, who kicked three each.
Cavemen skipper, Tyson Siddle was a well return, kicking three goals and finding some form in the second half.
Best players for the jubliant Swans were the creative Albert Wright, veteran Michael Hayes, William Addison, Zack Ballard, Reece Cunningham and the long kicking Brayden Baade.
Cohen Manning, ruckman Jarrad Neilson, Michael Stevenson, promising half back James Lewendon, Hamish Hancock and Jacob Kenyon all tried hard for Buchan, whose finals aspirations now appear to be doomed.
Lindenow South held onto to beat a determined Buchan by 12 points at Lindenow South.
The Swampies made all the running, leading by 31 points at half time, but not to be denied the Bulldogs kicked eight goals to five in the second half, to go down fighting.
It was Bruthen’s most significant performance against one of the two leading contenders, and showed if it continues to improve in the second half of the season, it may well be a contender for a grand final berth.
Recent Swampie additions, Corey Pescod and Mark Baylis were both among the goals, finishing with four goals each while Will O’Keefe chipped in with three.
Jirra Moffat was again lively for the Bulldogs, finishing with four goals, combining well with Ethan Hubbard who booted three.
Competition superstar, Nathan Pollard, was again in sensational form, leading the way for the Swampies, well supported by O’Keefe, Pescod, Griffin Sherrit, Jamie Donnelly and Baylis.
Caleb Marsh played his best game for the season for Bruthen, while another one of the competitions genuine superstars, Harley Kenner was his consistent and productive self, with other good players being Wil Matthews, Luke Sutton, Nigel Pearce and Hubbard.
Omeo Benambra returned to the winners list, beating reigning premier Swifts Creek, who continue to improve by just 14 points.
The Alpine Ranges established an early lead and kept the Demons at a safe distance for most of the game, unable to totally shake last years powerhouse, who appear to be organising the troops for a late season tilt at the title.
James Gibbs suited up for the Ranges for the second time this season, combining well with Harry Warfe who kicked five goals and featured in the best players with Todd Redenbach, Jacob Tomkins, Tom Cook and giant ruckman, Campbell Ahsam.
Youngster Shaun Fleming kicked three goals for the Demons, with James Turner, Gabriel Last, Thomas King, Nathan Hayes, Beau Hack and Robert Crellin all named in the best.
The ODFNL has a competition bye this week.
IMAGE: Lindenow South captain, Aaron Edwards with umpires Steven Greaves and Carl Rennick, local breast care nurse Carolyn Nelson and Bruthen captain, Harley Kenna at last week’s match at Lindenow South. The players and umpires donned pink socks and played with a pink football as part of the breast cancer round.
