Thomastown put Epping to the sword after half time following a closely fought first-half in their Good Friday clash at Epping Recreation Reserve.
Ahead by 18 points at the main break, the Bears piled on 15 goals to three goals after half time to record a 26.17 (173) to 13.2 (80).
Playing his former side in his Thomastown debut, Joel Carter dominated in the ruck, giving his on ballers first use all day.
Star recruit Tyrone Leonardis (5 goals) was a step above in the middle and forward of centre. James Rizzolio (3 goals) and Michael Tang (2 goals) were also major contributors for the Bears.
Anthony Capeci (5 goals) was a vocal point up forward for Thomastown, while Kane Slater also showed his worth, kicking four goals.
Alec Buchan was a shining light for Epping, kicking five first-half goals, while Jackson Freebairn (2 goals) tried hard all day in the midfield.
Ayyaan Ali (2 goals) provided a spark at times in the middle and in the forward line and Dallyce Taylor showed glimpses of promise with his two goals.
Anthony Capeci led the way early for the away side, kicking two goals in the opening term to help his side to a quick start.
Epping’s Alec Buchan was influential early, kicking two goals and having involvement in many scoring chains to keep his side in touch.
Dallyce Taylor was able to intercept and goal from a wayward Thomastown handball, then moments later Ayyaan Ali was able to use some fancy footwork on the boundary to centre the ball to Taylor for his second goal in as many minutes.
Thomastown took a 12-point advantage into quarter time and extended its lead to 18 points at the main break, with both teams scoring five goals each in a see-sawing second quarter.
Thomastown’s James Rizzolio showed his class with a great goal from the boundary midway through the second quarter. Minutes later, teammate Anthony Capeci topped Rizzolio’s effort with an overhead goal late in the quarter.
Midfielders Michael Tang and Tyrone Leonardis won plenty of the ball in the second term, roving brilliantly to ruckman Joel Carter.
Epping’s Alec Buchan kicked a further three goals in the second term, extending his tally to five for the half. Buchan’s forward craft was clearly getting under the Bears’ skin as they gave away a downfield free kick which resulted in the Epping’s fifth goal of the quarter.
The game was effectively over 15 minutes into the third quarter, after the Bears kicked eight goals to one in an impressive display after the main break. Forwards Kane Slater and Anthony Capeci were influential in their side’s third quarter domination.
The third quarter was clouded with ill-discipline by both sides, with tensions boiling over and cards being handed out by the officiating umpires.
The last term saw more of the same on the scoreboard as Thomastown scored eight goals to three to romp to a 93-point win.
Thomastown midfielder Michael Tang was rewarded for his continual hard work with two fourth-quarter goals. Epping’s Ayyaan Ali also scored two late goals to keep the final margin to double digits.
Thomastown hosts Eltham in a blockbuster match at Main Street Reserve next Saturday, while Epping will be looking to bounce back when it makes the trip to Montmorency Park to play Lower Plenty.
Final score: Epping 13.2 (80) def by Thomastown 26.17 (173)
