Eight goals from coach Greg Piggott propelled Gunnedah to their first win of the AFL North West NSW season on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The full-forward slotted 8.0 as the Bulldogs defeated Moree Suns by 93 points at Taylor Oval.
Gunnedah held sway by 29 points at the first change and extended the gap at every break on the way to the 20.11 (131) to 5.8 (38) success.
Piggott praised a complete team performance as the decisive factor behind the magnitude of the victory.
“It’s good to get that first win on the board,” Piggott said.
“We had a dominant midfield which set the tone for us, although full credit to Moree, they’re definitely a more dangerous side this season.
“Their structure is much better and they were able to win the footy enough, although their last kick to a leading forward probably let them down and we were able to hurt them on the rebound.
“I also wanted to thank Moree for swapping their home game with us, so we could play them at Wolseley Oval for our 40-year anniversary celebrations in June.”
Ruckman Al Hillard was named as the Bulldogs’ best, providing the engine room with constant first use of the football.
Former QAFL player Jacob Spackman impressed on the ball, booting two goals, while Ben Maher (three majors) proved a good foil to Piggott.
Centre half-forward Scott Hardy was another to shine as Gunnedah finished with nine different goalkickers.
Angus Croft and Wyatt Roberts headlined Moree’s best, with Adrian Smith booting three goals.
New England Nomads made it two from two this season thanks to a hard-fought 35-point win against Tamworth Kangaroos at Bellevue Oval.
The contest was a re-match of last season’s decider and proved willing throughout.
But the class of David Richards and new recruit Ethan Karpany, who each booted four goals, proved pivotal in the 12.10 (82) to 7.5 (47) result.
The Roos were best-served by Brad Rees, Carl Frazier and Warwick Gilmour.
Gilmour, who has joined the club from Victorian outfit Maryborough Rovers, snagged three goals on debut in a lively performance.
Inverell Saints are keeping pace with New England after dispatching an undermanned Narrabri by 69 points at Varley Oval.
Despite a big opening round win against Tamworth Swans at home, the Eagles headed east with 16 players and finished on the end of the 14.19 (103) to 5.4 (34) scoreline.
