Diggers Rest couldn’t have asked for much more as it finally took to the field in the Riddell District Football League.
After a delayed start to the season with their round one match against Romsey being postponed, the Burras came prepared for Broadford on Saturday.
Even though the two sides are at different ends of the ladder, no one imagined the final margin.
The Burras had a massive 63 scoring shots and absolutely smashed the Kangaroos, 45.18 (288)-3.3 (21).
The Burras started with nine goals in the first quarter and that would be their lowest quarter tally of the day. They kept the Kangaroos goalless after quarter-time.
Burras coach Jamie Lobb said despite the blow-out margin, the side stuck to its game plan.
“The guys were fairly keen,” he said.
“We hadn’t had a chance to be on the ground yet with some work being done.
“It was always good to start off like that. We played the way we have trained and we didn’t go away from the team structures.”
Lobb said the playing group focused on the team, not individual rewards.
There was plenty of goalkickers for the Burras with 12 players contributing to the score. Ten of those players kicked multiple goals, led by Mark Freeth, who kicked nine, and Cameron McCabe who kicked eight goals.
Brent Tuckey kicked six goals in his return to the club. Lobb said he was a welcome inclusion on the players’ list.
“He played a few games at his home club Stawell last season,” he said.
“But the travel was too much. We wouldn’t say no to him when he wanted to come back to the club.
“He’s been here for three to four years.”
The win came with the Burras still missing a number of key players and five players lining up for their first game for the Burras, including 16-year-old Daniel Paulete.
Lobb said they would have selection dilemmas when Cale Morton, Tom Evans, Luke Smailes, Patty Jackson, Brad Sluggett and Stephen Ruane were available to play.
The Burras now face Riddell in round two. The Bombers are win less from their first two games.
“We’re realistic at where Broadford is at,” Lobb said. “Riddell always gets up for us. You can never right them off.”
Melton Centrals missed an opportunity to go 2-0, after losing to Woodend-Hesket.
The Hawks came from behind against Centrals to win 13.11 (89)-11.8 (74).
Dylan Weir kicked six goals for Centrals.
The tough start continued for Rockbank, with the Rams smashed by Sunbury Kangaroos, 23.23 (161)-1.3 (9).
Jake Mallia was the only goalkicker for the Rams and Aidan O’Neil was named their best.
