LOWER PLENTY started its 2014 season with an impressive 43-point victory over Eltham at Montmorency Park.
A ten-goal to two first half set up the impressive 15.14 (104) to 8.11 (59) victory – their second consecutive opening round win over the Panthers.
A short passing possession game was the key to the victory with Lower Plenty coach Vin Dattoli stressing to his players they were a better side when they lowered the eyes.
Kicking with a slight breeze in the first quarter, the Bears came out firing early. They kicked four unanswered goals before Eltham registered its first major on the scoreboard.
In what was expected to be a close encounter, Lower Plenty blew the game apart early.
The Bears used their run through the midfield and build up possession play, switching the ball on numerous occasions across the half back line, to open up the Eltham defence.
The Bears midfield runners Matthew Vasilevski, Matt Duckworth and Jackson Powell often gave Lower Plenty first use of the ball with their run and drive from the stoppages.
Darcy Barden and Ryan Gray played pivotal roles across the half back line, providing the get out option and linking run that was instrumental for the Bears game style.
There were plenty of changes in the off-season for both sides, with a few of the new signings impressive in their first outings in new colours.
Oliver Parks kicked four goals in his first game for the Bears, including the first of the game. Coming across from Division 2 side, Diamond Creek, Parks seemed at home in Division 1 football and will prove to be a quality pick up for the Bears if his first game is anything to go by.
For Eltham, Leigh Catoggio impressed in his first game back with the club after spending 2013 with Hurstbridge. His drive off half back was one of the positives the Panthers will be able to take out of the game.
Ex-Essendon forward Jay Neagle, a late inclusion to the starting line up, started at centre half back before spending the rest of the game up forward. His influence was minimal with only the one goal, with the Bears defenders able to nullify him from turning the game in the Panthers’ favour.
Eltham began life without key players Paul Currie and Brad Perry, and both were missed as the Panthers seemed to lack composure moving the ball forward.
Gavan Connelly did his best to fill the holes left by his departed teammates. He attempted to lead the revival in the third quarter when Eltham looked to be mounting a comeback after kicking three of the first four goals of the quarter.
However, when Bill Barden slotted a goal nearing the three-quarter time siren and then another at the start of the last quarter, a Bears victory was inevitable.
The only injury scare for the Bears was a knock to the knee of Patrick Flynn in a ruck contest in the last quarter. He hobbled from the ground but re-appeared in the forward line and should be fine to line against West Preston-Lakeside in Round 2.
Eltham will have to wait until Good Friday before its next encounter, when it takes on second-placed Greensborough in a blockbuster clash at Eltham Central Reserve.
Final score: Lower Plenty 15.14 (104) def Eltham 8.11 (59)
