A new-look East Wagga-Kooringal have kicked off their premiership defence in winning fashion with a hard-fought, but not particularly convincing, 22-point victory over Coleambally on Saturday.
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After celebrating last year’s drought-breaking first grade premiership and third straight reserve grade title with the unfurling of the flags at Gumly, a vastly different Hawks outfit had to show some grit in their 9.10 (64) to 6.5 (41) win.
With 13 changes from the grand final side, EWK coach Gavin McMahon was relieved just to get the win after a “round one scrap”.
“Absolutely, that was probably the only goal, just to get four points however we could muster them and then go into a couple of weeks’ break and get ready then,” McMahon said.
In late withdrawals, Coleambally’s Darwin recruits were unable to make the trip south, and the Hawks had four changes including Nick Hull and James Hodges.
But an inspiring game from Brocke Argus (rated “one of the better games I've seen Brocke play, without a doubt” by his coach), a strong showing from forward Chris Jackson, and an impressive debut by recruit Joel Stankiewicz provided positives.
The Hawks kicked all three first quarter goals, including beauties to Jackson and defender Trent Garner.
Down by 20 points at the first break, the Blues fought back, almost drawing level in the second quarter and digging in again to be within two points early in the third.
But Coleambally could only find another two goals for the game while Argus, skipper Ben Absolum and the speedy Scott Burge helped the Hawks get on top and drive to victory.
“I think we probably worked out today that our back six was pretty solid with four new faces in it,” McMahon said.
“Our midfield took a while to get going, but I thought our outside players were pretty good and at times we were great going forward and other times we were damn woeful.”
The win was soured by a hamstring strain to Brenton Roberts and Josh Hull stretchered off with a lower leg injury.
Coleambally coach Michael Griffiths was pleased with the Blues’ effort off a limited pre-season. They were also without James Fallon, Jacob Breed, Josh Hamilton, Brandon Mathews, Todd Clarke and the McAdam cousins, and had two players back up from reserve grade.
“We were obviously undermanned and I thought we fought all the way through,” Griffiths said.
Recruits Tom Morton and Corban O’Malley were impressive along with 15-year-old forward Jack Cullen and Griffiths in the ruck.
