Lindenow South and Omeo Benambra both remain unbeaten after three rounds of the Omeo District Football Netball League.
The Swampies outclassed reigning premier, Swifts Creek on their home ground, 85 points in front when the final siren sounded.
New addition in 2024, Jordan Hack was again a target up forward, finishing with five goals, while Mel Irish enjoyed his return to the fray, playing as a forward, booting three majors.
Lindenow South dominated the first term, kicking seven unanswered goals, as the hapless Demons remain winless under new coach, Conor Harvey after three outings.
Only four of last year’s premiership side took to the field on Saturday – Harvey, Beau Hack, James Turner and Mark Cooper.
Nathan Pollard was at his brilliant best, accumulating possessions at will, delivering with skill and precision, joined in the best players by Griffin Sherritt, who is enjoying a role further up the ground, Jacob Petrac, Aaron Edwards, Warren Martin and the reliable Jamie Donnelly.
Brodie Cameron led the way for the Demons, turning back the clock to the days when him and his brother, Jordie dominated the competition for a number of years.
Turner, Riley McCole, Gabriel Last, Andrew Sandy and Ben Commins were all serviceable for Swifts Creek in a tough day at the office.
A seven goal second term saw Omeo Benambra shake Swan Reach, who were competitive at home in the first term.
The Alpine Ranges rammed home the advantage in the second half, kicking 11 goals to one to win convincingly by 111 points, with coach, Josh Piper and huge off season signing, James Gibbs, yet to suit up.
Young goal sensation, Harry Warfe was again to fore, churning out Macy Hambrook like numbers, slotting eight to take his seasons total to 24, having him on target for 100 in the home and away season.
Quick and elusive, and a great kick for goal, Warfe is ideally suited to the 16 aside Omeo competition, where it can be easy to find space and isolate opponents when the ball is moved forward, quickly and effectively.
Aiden Hayward was outstanding kicking five goals, while former coach, Cody Graske, helped himself to three.
Others to star for the Ranges were Billy Cook, solid backman Trent Heesom, a couple of veterans, Todd Redenbach and Chris Wheeler, who can still well and truly hold their own in the Omeo competition.
Despite the loss, it was special day for the Swans, with club legend, Mick Stephenson, taking to the field with sons, Kobe and Tom.
Tom, who these days is a premiership player at Wy Yung, showed on several occasions throughout the afternoon the amazing talent he possesses.
He was named in the best, alongside his dad, Peter Ritchie, Michael Hayes, Justin Smith and the speedy Tyler Hood.
Bruthen affirmed its hold on third spot with a 146-point victory over fourth side, Buchan in the cave town.
The Bulldogs kicked an impressive 28 goals, including nine in the final term, as they made it two wins in a row.
The teamwork has improved from week to week, and there is nothing to say the Bulldogs can’t develop to the extent, where they challenge the Ranges and Swampies at the pointy end of the season.
Jirra Moffat continued his outstanding form on return to the club, kicking six goals, Moffatt has played for Richmond Centrals in recent seasons.
Focal point, Ethan Hubbard, and the inspirational Harley Kenner both contributed four, while Jan Cabaybay, Darcy Spong and Brodie Matthews guided through three each.
Best players for the Bulldogs were the elusive Cabaybay, Spong, reliable half back Wil Matthews, Brodie Matthews, Rhys Kennedy and Moffatt.
The rebuilding Cavemen got solid contributions from youngster Jake Reynolds, captains Tyson Siddle and Justin Hunt, Shaun Coleman, Cameron Edwards and coach Christopher Mathers.
NETBALL
Lindenow South broke through for its first win of the season, defeating Swifts Creek
by 23 goals, with Nicola Duffield and Zoe Blewitt leading the way for the victorious Swampies.
Lily McCole, Leigh Mitchell and Sarah O’Brien all tried hard for the Demons.
Swan Reach maintained its unbeaten season with a solid 10-goal victory over a persistent Omeo Benambra, while Bruthen consolidated it’s hold on second place.
THIS WEEK
The match of the round pits Bruthen up against Omeo Benambra at home, with the Bulldogs keen to show they are more than capable of matching the top two sides.
It will be interesting to see who gets the big assignment on young Ranges dynamo Warfe, could we see Will Matthews get the gig, or would that be to the detriment of his creativity, time will tell.
Swifts Creek will host Swan Reach at home, as both sides chase that elusive first victory, if the Demons are to be any sort of factor in 2024, they need to get the job done and easily.
Lindenow South should be too experienced and talented for a young Buchan outfit at the Swamp.
