NTFA DIVISION 1
FULL forward Glenn Dawson looked right at home in red and white with a five-goal haul in his first outing for new club Bracknell at home on Saturday.
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The former Port Adelaide-listed player was a key target in the Redlegs’ 14.10 (94) to 9.12 (66) round one come from behind win over traditional rivals Longford.
The Tigers held a slender two-point advantage at half-time, which grew to three goals with a quarter to play.
Bracknell kicked nine majors in the last to pinch the four points with Wil Fisher, utility Craig Burling and Eric Izbicki contributing strongly.
For the new-look Tigers it was old-faces Sam Roach (two goals) and Ben Murfett that stood out.
Baden Alexander and Jonathan Smart both presented well and converted two majors each.
BRIDGENORTH’S Rohan Sergeant also cashed in with five big ones on a day for the big forwards in the Parrots’ narrow four-point win over Scottsdale.
The Magpies were up by a kick at the end of the first hour but were outscored in the second 60 minutes to lose 19.9 (81) to 11.11 (77).
Bridgenorth big man Rohan Bones pushed his weight around the ground in a strong showing for his new club, while Bryce Wheatley and Jacob Bonney toiled hard.
Bryton Mullins and Scottsdale captain Neil Oliver never stopped fighting at Parrot Park, which has not been a happy hunting ground of late for the Pies.
Joseph Krushka and Matthew Taylor slotted through three apiece for the visitors.
ROCHERLEA kickstarted its title defence in dominant fashion with an 88-point win over George Town.
The Saints only goal came in the second term via Shane Baker as the Suburban Tigers led by 27 at the halfway mark.
And it only got worse from there – Rocherlea winning 15.12 (102) to 1.8 (14).
Reigning competition leading goal-kicker Josh Holton started his campaign with six goals, while Field Reeves finished with five to his name.
Gavin Provis was instrumental in leading Rocherlea’s defensive unit and Jordan Cousens had plenty of the ball. It was George Town’s second straight loss to start the season.
HILLWOOD caused an upset at Youngtown Oval – taking down South Launceston 11.10 (76) to 6.12 (48).
The resurgent Sharks led at every change and kicked four last-quarter goals to South’s one to seal the 28-point deal.
Wayward kicking did not help the Bulldogs’ cause with skipper Luke Mccarty and Will Campbell again their best on the ground.
Kieran Fullard, Ryan Choveaux and Alex Cusick put on a show for Hillwood fans with Jake King kicking three goals.
NTFA DIVISION 2
ST PATS clinched a thrilling three-point opening round victory over East Coast Swans at home on Saturday.
The Saints trailed the competition newbies by 10 points at the long break before the hosts wrestled their way back to start 2017 with a 12.20 (92) to 13.11 (89) positive result.
A healthy spread of nine goal-kickers worked wonders for St Pats, while Nick Child (five goals), Dakota Bannister (four) and Jake Sushames (two) did most of the Swans’ heavily lifting.
Bradey McIntyre and Jacob Knight were named the Saints most productive around the ground.
The new era at OLD SCOTCH without Kim Curtis in charge began with a 10-point win over last year’s runners up Lilydale.
It was a tense and tight battle throughout the grand final rematch with the Thistles leading at every interval and 10.13 (73) to 9.9 (63) at the final siren.
Spearhead Shaun Muller kicked three majors on his Old Scotch return and Michael Murfett chipped in with two, while Billy Tuckerman (two) was the Demons’ only multiple goal-scorer.
Alex McKenzie and Jock Darke had days out for the winners with former North Launceston runner Jack Venn teaming up with Beau Tuthill and Corey Lockett to cause Old Scotch some headaches.
PROSPECT debunked predictions of a downfall to defeat Meander Valley Suns by 38 points at Westbury.
The Hawks let a quarter-time advantage slip in the second stanza only to produce a 85 to 42-point second half to win 18.14 (122) to 12.12 (84) and claim back the Meander Valley Cup.
Brodie Reaney and Conniey Riley booted three goals apiece as Prospect put the Suns under pressure, while captain Danny Hall was outstanding.
For Meander Valley, recruit Devin Eilander and co-captain Danny Bennett converted six majors between them in a losing effort.
UNI-MOWBRAY brought down Bridport 14.14 (98) to 11.9 (75) at University Oval with ruckman Majak Mair the standout.
The margin was three goals to the Eagles favour at half-time with the former Launceston player running rings around the Seagulls and adding three goals to the scoreboard.
Adam McDermott led the scoring with four goals for the Eagles, while Bridport shared the load in its first outing in the league. Adin Yaxley and Gino Kling were adjudged their best.
TAMAR CATS avoided another home loss to Perth by eclipsing the Magpies to a 13-point tune at Beauty Point.
Josh Murray had the ball on a string with a five-goal leading hand in the 15.16 (106) to 14.9 (93) victory.
Cat Nathan Croft stood out all day, while Shaun Etchell was almost unstoppable for Perth.
EVANDALE recorded a comfortable 12.17 (89) to 7.5 (47) triumph over Old Launcestonians at Morven Park with Sam Hughes and Tom Chugg steering the ship.
Josh Goodyer (three goals) showed promise, while Scott Churchill (two) provided the Blues with a solid target.