Eltham Vets played their first home game of the season in front of a healthy crowd at Panther Park.
Their opponents Kilsyth were only able to muster up limited numbers so it was agreed that we would play a 16 a side game.
The Panthers jumped out to a great start kicking 7 goals to nil in the first quarter. The boys spread of the ball to the open parts of the ground and their skill execution exposed Kilsyth’s defence. Coathy was on the end of numerous forward thrusts and kicked 3 of his 5 goals in the opening 20 minutes.
After quarter time Kilsyth were able to regroup and it was not until late in the quarter that Eltham added 3 goals in the last 2 minutes to overcome the Cougars 3 goals in the term.
In the second half the Panthers were able to get more game time into some of the lads who generally play bit parts and rest their valuable contributors from injuring themselves.
Kara dominated all day and swept up everything down back, and his disposal was 1st class. Whitch returned for his first game and picked up where he left off from last year and dominated the forward line. Our new player Brent McPherson (from this point on known as Jigga) was great first up after 6 years and his running ability and attack at the footy was sensational.
As noted, Coathy was surprisingly attracted to the goal square from half forward, slotting 5 in great performance, earning him BOG from the opposition. Mouse played his usual running game and had plenty of it, along with the show stopper Stricko. Lukey Mac’s ruck work was great, setting up some easy scoring opportunities, several going begging to wayward team mates.
Special mention to Sym Mountford for registering his first goal for the club and ended up with 2 snags playing as a true deep forward pocket. He also contributed with some great work on using the body, taking one out with a nice hip and shoulder… unfortunately it was Mouse on the end of it.
A few things to work on; Kara just slow those kicks down for Killa; and Skip for the deplorable effort of trying to take a hanger and not getting off the ground. No wonder Youngy got a bit nervy and made you sit out the last quarter – Shark would never forgive Youngy “again” if he allowed his Ace to recklessly injure himself on is watch.
