Kilmore made a winning start to the 2017 season, downing Laurimar by 11 points in the Power’s inaugural senior match.
The Blues held the lead all afternoon after booting two goals in the opening three minutes in the 9.9 (63) to 7.10 (52) win.
After winning just two games in their debut NFL season last year, the Blues looked a much improved side in the opening round of the 2017 Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 season.
A host of new recruits led the way, with playing-assistant Leigh Irons, forward Matthew Bulluss, utility Luke Chapman and ruckman Brad Kite all making positive starts to their Kilmore careers.
Bulluss and Billy McKeown each kicked two goals and gave their side strong focal points inside forward 50.
Bulluss was also dangerous at ground level and set up a number of scoring shots for his teammates. He kicked both his goals in the third term as the Blues opened up a game-high 29-point lead.
Kilmore’s pace throughout the midfield helped set-up many attacking forays. Youngsters Brandon Austin and Lachlan Gough often used their speed to advantage and looked at home at senior level.
Nick Sheldon won plenty of the ball through the midfield and kicked an important goal in the final term to halt Laurimar’s momentum and clinch the victory.
Laurimar was competitive in its first senior appearances and was well led by ruckman Scott Toull, defender Chris Menzies and on-baller Leigh Murphy.
Peter Shepherd kicked a match-high three goals, including goals either side of three quarter time to give the Power a winning chance in the last quarter.
The Power’s midfield held its own throughout the afternoon, however they weren’t able to convert from a high number of forward 50 entries.
Shepherd lined up alongside Dale Piggott and Lance Whitnall, however the Power had difficulty locking the ball inside their attack half when the ball hit the deck.
Reigning Kilmore best and fairest Peter de Sousa kept Whitnall goalless and was a constant thorn in Laurimar’s side. He was well supported in defence by Thomas de Sousa, Michael Marrett and Hayden Phillips.
A big crowd was in attendance for the Power’s inaugural game, however they were silenced by Kilmore’s fast start.
McKeown celebrated his first game since crossing from North Heidelberg with a goal in the opening 33 seconds.
It was followed by a major to Chapman two minutes later as the Blues opened a 13-point lead 2:30 into the game.
After looking overawed early, Laurimar settled thanks largely to the composure of experienced heads Damian Pywell and Murphy. Pywell kicked the club’s first ever goal when he converted a set shot at the eight-minute mark.
Leading by 14 points at quarter time, Kilmore again made a good start to the second term when McKeown kicked his second goal.
In a dour term, the Blues were always able to maintain a comfortable advantage and took a two-goal ascendancy into the main break.
Three unanswered goals in the opening 17 minutes of the third term gave the Blues a match-winning lead. However, Laurimar continued to fight and kicked the next three goals to close its deficit to 11 points at the seven-minute mark of the final quarter.
However, Kilmore was able to see off the Power’s charge and sealed the win with Sheldon’s goal entering time-on.
Final score: Laurimar 7.10 (52) def by Kilmore 9.9 (63)
