Greensborough started its premiership defence with a comprehensive 38-point win over a gallant Eltham in front of a packed War Memorial Park on Good Friday.
A dominant eight-goal haul from James Kroussoratis wasn’t enough to get the Panthers over the line, as an eight-goal to two third term enabled the reigning premier to prevail 19.10 (124) to 13.8 (86).
Despite trailing by 61 points at three-quarter time, the Panthers were able to make the final margin look respectable, mostly on the back of a stunning final quarter display from Kroussoratis.
The dominant full forward booted the final four goals of the match to complete his stunning eight-goal haul, with his precise goal kicking sure to excite Panther fans throughout the season.
The Panthers started the better side and booted the first goal of the 2015 season through Matthew Williamson. However, the Boro replied instantly with a snap from Luke Stanton at the opposite end.
Despite the Boro’s premiership credentials, it was the Panthers who took it right up to them early, dominating the midfield exchanges and possession for most of the first quarter.
But for Eltham’s better play, the Boro were the unlikely leaders by seven points at quarter time after kicking the last two goals in the dying stages of the term via Cameron Jordan and Josh Grubb.
Eltham’s midfield control was let down by poor delivery into its forward 50 and crucial turnovers when looking to exit defence.
The Boro continued their momentum into the second term, booting the first four goals. Rhys Boyden kicked the first two and Josh Riddle the next two as the home side amassed a 31-point lead.
Kroussoratis was able to peg the deficit back, kicking the next two goals in a minute to get the visitors back into the contests briefly.
But just as the Panthers were starting to gather momentum, the Boro pounced on an error and a great coast-to-coast play was completed with Josh Riddle’s third goal for the term to lead at half time by 25 points.
The third term saw Greensborough show its class and prowess, as it booted the first four goals of the term to all but seal the opening-round victory.
Swung from defence to attack, Eltham’s Chase Caulfield was able to briefly halt the Boro’s resurgence, kicking a goal of the year contender after evading two opponents and kicking a banana while hugging the boundary line.
This miraculous goal was not able to give Eltham some much needed momentum, as the Boro went on to kick three out of the next four goals to lead by ten goals at the final change.
Eltham however was able to finish the match out credibly as it kicked six final-quarter goals to Greensborough’s two, which included a master class in set shot goal kicking from Kroussoratis.
The Boro were well led by Josh Riddle in his comeback match, while the experience and poise of defender Matthew Hyde and Rhys Boyden’s attacking pressure on the footy also showed through.
Eltham’s best in a gallant display was undoubtedly Kroussoratis, along with Bundoora recruit Matthew Evans and Caulfield.
Both sides must wait two weeks before their Round 2 matches, with the Boro travelling to Macleod for a re-match of last year’s preliminary final, while the Panthers host Northcote Park.
Final score: Greensborough 19.10 (124) def Eltham 13.8 (86)
