By Lachlan Onions
Penola 12.8 (80) d Naracoorte 10.1 (61)
The Penola Football Club earnt its first victory of the season as they defeated the Naracoorte Demons by 19 points on Saturday.
The Eagles entered the game as underdogs after their poor performance against Lucindale in Round 1.
However, from the first bounce, Penola were up for the challenge as they dictated play early in the first quarter.
“I’m over the moon, I was really proud of their effort,” Penola coach Brad Maney said.
“It was a massive four-quarter effort from all 21 players we had out there.
“I’m not sure many people in the league would have tipped us for the win, but internally we knew what we were capable of.
“I’m just glad we got the result that we deserved after that effort.
“The way our midfielders attacked the ball from the centre bounce was exceptional.”
Their efforts were soon rewarded as Zac Deane kicked the first goal of the game midway through the first term.
Drew Clayfield took to the field for the first time in Penola colours since 2017 and it did not take long for him to have an impact on the game.
He kicked two goals in the opening quarter to give the Eagles a 14-point lead at the first break.
“Drew Clayfield was really important to us with his presence up forward,” Maney said.
“With such a young group, he’s a leader that motivates them and inspires them to bring the effort.”
Clayfield was dominant in the forward-line for the entire day as he kicked five goals to mark his return to the side.
Naracoorte entered the game fresh off a 97-point win in Round 1 and soon fought back in the second term.
“We had a really rough eight-minute period towards the end of the second quarter where we just let the game get away from us a little bit,” Maney said.
“My message at half time was very similar to what it was the whole day thet we just needed to stick to our process.”
Maney’s team went to another level in the third quarter as they kicked five goals and led by 14 at the final break.
Naracoorte fought back in the final term to set up a thrilling finale but the Demons’ hopes were thwarted by young-gun Anders McShane.
“Anders kicked a really crucial goal in the middle of the last quarter when Naracoorte were making a charge,” Maney said.
“We do lose him next week as he goes back to school, but we will get him for a couple of other games next school holidays.
“For a 16-year-old to make the impact he did, was fantastic.”
The Eagles held on to win the game by 19-points as they secured their first win of the season.
Bradley Merrett was on fire at centre-half back as he claimed best on ground honours.
“Merrett played one of the best games of country football that you will ever see,” Maney said.
“I’d be surprised if he didn’t have 15-20 intercept marks, he was incredible and the difference.”
Deane had a strong game as he kicked three goals and was heavily involved in the contest in his second game for the club.
“He’s been fantastic,” Maney said.
“He’s a fantastic trainer, the level of intensity that he has brought, it is contagious.”
