Diggers Rest turned it on the in the last quarter to overcome Riddell in the Riddell District Football League round 1 clash on Saturday.
After a scrappy first two quarters, when both sides struggled in windy and wet conditions, the Burras kicked two late goals to take a half-time lead.
The Bombers appeared to have taken control of the game with five goals to nil in the third quarter to lead by 15.
But it was all the Burras in the final quarter at Bloomdale Oval, as they won most of the ball and went on to win 11.13 (79)-7.6 (48).
Burras’ coach Shaun Sims said he was just happy to come away with the win against a side he expected to be up there at the end of the season.
“It wasn’t pretty footy in the first half that’s for sure,” he said.
“We were prepared for a team which finished on top of the ladder last year. They have recruited well, have a new coach and a bit of enthusiasm about them, so to get the win was the most important thing.
“The first couple of quarters were a grind and the conditions weren’t great. Basically, they were winning the footy.”
Sims said there was one major difference with his side in the last quarter.
“I think we played some better footy; we were very clean and it showed,” he said.
“I don’t think they went inside 50 in the last quarter.
“You’re very happy any time you play a top-three side and get the win. You’ll take it.”
Sims said he was impressed by Brandon Kilty, who kept Paul Sahlberg quiet for most of the match, while Mick Kilty turned the game in the last quarter with three goals.
It was a good day for the Burras with all three sides getting good wins.
“The depth is really good,” Sims said.
“We had five to six blokes [in lower grades] who put up their hands up to play seniors next week.
“It’s a good place to be. People are going to have to perform to keep their spots.”
One person who won’t be playing for the Burras this season is Jason Williams.
Sims was already expecting to be without Williams because of his VFL commitments with Port Melbourne, but the player is now seeking a clearance to move to Broadford.
“He had a really good opportunity,” Sims said. “He spoke to me and I said he should take it.”
Rupertswood, Sunbury Kangaroos and Macedon were the other weekend winners.
