By DAVID NAGEL
Casey Cardinia Football League – round 1
KEYSBOROUGH will head to the bright lights of Casey Fields this Friday night with a real spring in its step after a 39-point round one victory over Doveton at Rowley Allen Reserve.
The Burra played four solid-quarters of football, kicking six goals to one after half time, to record their first victory over the Doves since round 3 in 2012.
The win sets up a huge clash with Cranbourne this Friday night, the Burra keen to replicate their three-point upset of the season against the powerhouse Eagles in the corresponding clash last year.
The Burra had eight new faces in their line-up against the Doves and looked a more polished outfit for the additions.
Richard Minney (Noble Park), Daniel Papa (Chirnside Park) and Tim Werner (Gordon) gave the Burra midfield a new-look, Minney and Papa with their ability to absorb physical pressure, while Werner’s speed around the contest made a difference.
His hunt and tackle of Doves’ defender Jake Mullen, and resultant goal, was a real highlight of an absorbing first term. Gun centre-half-forward, Tyson King, slipped Mullen to boot two first quarter goals, while Davor Rajic was another forward who was right on top.
“We’re having a real crack but our first thought must be to look before we dispose of the footy,” Keysborough coach Chris Bryan said at quarter time in regards to some costly turnovers.
“We just need to tidy things up, stop the fumbling and work hard into the breeze. Our forwards are on top, so let’s utilise that to our advantage.”
Doveton wasted opportunities in the second quarter before the Burra took control in the second half.
Rajic with four goals, and King, Papa and Werner, with two each, were lively up forward for the winners, while Bryan, Minney, Danny Morland, Glen Hawthorn and Geoff Humphreys were superb all day. Mark Quiambao, Reece Spadaccini, Michael Downie and full-back Matt Haines gave the Doves’ forwards nothing, rounding out an impressive all-round display.
Friday night’s Casey Cardinia league clash against Cranbourne kicks off at 8.15pm.
