Panton Hill consolidated its spot atop the Division 3 ladder with a solid win over Watsonia at A.K. Lines Reserve in Round 10 of action.
The Redbacks led at every change and always looked likely to win in the 9.12 (66) to 6.9 (45) result.
The heavy conditions made for a close-checking game. The Redbacks out-tackled the Saints and spoiled well in marking contests.
Almost every time a Watsonia player went for the ball, there would be a Redback opponent applying pressure.
Brendan O’Connor was the best Redback forward with four goals and had a number of kicks at high half forward.
Simon Amore, Anthony Bryce, Jarrod McGough and Nathan Hendry ensured that the Redbacks narrowly held sway in the middle.
Tristan Kremyborg won the ruck battle with Tony Hogg – mainly due to his ability to take marks around the ground. He even got on the end of a Ben Finnin handpass for a goal.
Watsonia’s one highlight for the day was a big pack mark and goal by Jeremy Bennett in the first quarter. His goal was the Saints’ only score for the term. Panton Hill help set up the win by kicking 3.5 for the term with the aid of a slight breeze.
Brody Ricardi, with 13 goals in his previous two games, was well held by Ben Strongman, who was playing his 150th game for Panton Hill. Ricardi broke the shackles briefly in the third quarter when he went into the middle.
With Strongman staying in defence, Ricardi started to get his hands on the ball and gave the team some drive. He also snuck forward and kicked their only goal for the third quarter.
Jeremy Bennett proved to be the best option in attack for Watsonia with three majors. His brother Corey was repelling many attacks at the other end. But he lay motionless after a fourth-term marking contest and was in some pain after the game.
Coach Lochie Dornauf delivered a rousing speech at the last change where he urged his players to go for the win from a 24-point deficit. Minutes later, he limped from the field and was not able to reappear. He had been followed all day by Kane Gilmore and that shutdown role meant Dornauf often won his possessions under pressure.
Fraser Elliott gave the Saints run out of defence, while Matthew Crompton and Brendan Cottier were finding the footy in midfield. But they had too many players down on the day.
Conversely, Panton Hill’s lower possession winners managed to lift at critical times to assist their team mates.
Redbacks coach Dean Haydock, who was out injured, referred to the contest as an eight-point game.
“These are the games you need to win against quality opposition in order to prepare for finals,” he said.
Dornauf stressed after the game that his side needs to be more consistent. While he was looking for a man on man of contest, Panton Hill players were often able to drop away from the packs and become a loose player.
The Saints have now dropped to fourth place, and face another challenge next week when they travel to play Thomastown. Panton Hill will play its Round 11 home game against the Hawks at Heidelberg Park.
Final scores: Watsonia 6.9 (45) def by Panton Hill 9.12 (66)
