By Travis Parnaby
Murray started the TAC Cupâs 18th Year as it finished the last â winning in style. The reigning premier was too strong for North Ballarat, running out 57-point winners at the Queen Elizabeth Oval. Murray captain Dylan McNeil lead the way in the middle and jagged two goals. For the Rebels, Josh Free, son of former Richmond captain Tony, was a standout player.
In the early match of the QEO double header, Geelong was never headed in its 47-point defeat of Bendigo. Small forwards Daniel Semmens and Jackson Bright each booted three majors for the Falcons. Bendigo was best served by ball carrier Dustin Martin who slotted two goals.
Western defeated interstate challenger NSW/ACT Rams by 23 points. After a slow start, the Jets took control in the second half and such was their dominance, they tallied 13 more scoring shots than their northern states counterpart. AFL-AIS Academy member Kyle Hartigan was damaging for the Jets throughout.
It was a shootout at Morwell, as 2008 grand finalist Dandenong edged Gippsland by 21 points. Key forwards Myles Pitt (Dandenong) and John Butcher (Gippsland) each slotted five goals at opposite ends. Dandenong captain Tom Scully was another to impress.
Eastern Ranges spoilt the Gold Coastâs TAC Cup inauguration with a 38-point win. Shane Watsonâs team was not hindered by the travel north and leapt out of the blocks with a superb seven-goal to two opening. Jackson McDonald starred booting five goals for Eastern.
In the first of a Visy Park double-header, Calder had too much firepower for local rival Northern. Calder had a lively target in Jake Carlisle (four goals) and Jake Melksham (three goals) was creative off half-back to steer the Cannons to a 38-point victory.
The later game saw Oakleigh home by 45 points against Sandringham. The Chargers set up the result with a brilliant eight-goal to nil second term. Jayden Hoegel kicked four goals for Oakleigh while Sandringhamâs best was Jack Frost.
A country showdown between Bendigo and North Ballarat at the Swan Hill Showgrounds headlines round two. Saturdayâs other fixtures include Northern and Oakleigh at Preston, Geelong home to Gippsland, Eastern against Sandringham at Box Hill and Dandenong and Murray in a grand final rematch. Sunday, Western hosts the Gold Coast in its first Victorian appearance and Calder clashes with interstate challenger NSW/ACT Rams.
Last Modified on 07/04/2010 15:16