By Lachlan Onions
Padthaway 11.20 (86) d Penola 7.5 (47)
Penola’s difficult Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara football season continued on Saturday when the Eagles lost to Padthaway by 39 points.
The Lions got away to a strong start as they kicked three goals in the first term to lead by 18 points at quarter time.
However, Penola fought back in the second quarter when they kicked three goals to one and trailed by 11 points at the main break.
The Eagles were fortunate to still be in the game as the Lions were inaccurate in front of goal with 12 behinds in the first half.
Padthaway turned on the afterburners in the second half and the home side led by 53 points at the final change.
The Eagles added three goals in the final quarter but it was only a consolation as the Lions claimed a dominant win.
“It is always disappointing to not get the result,” Penola coach Brad Maney said.
“Probably the biggest disappointment was the fact we did not play all four quarters up to the standard that we are holding ourselves accountable.
“In saying that, Padthaway were very good across the ground.
“I was very impressed with the way they moved the ball particularly in the wet.”
The conditions were difficult for football as wind and rain had an impact on the game.
“It was probably a four to five goal breeze towards one end,” Maney said.
“We didn’t get that wet but it was very boggy.
“I felt Padthaway adjusted quicker to the conditions quicker than we did, which comes down to experience.”
Luke Walker made his long-awaited return for Penola after spending five weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Walker made his presence felt when he kicked two goals at full forward and was named the Eagles’ best player on the weekend.
“He’s a powerful footballer, everything he does is of the highest order and we didn’t realise what we had until it was gone,” Maney said.
“To have him back is massive for us and it won’t be the last time this year he gets best on ground.”
Penola’s Lochlan Neale and Brayden Smith both made their A Grade debuts for Penola.
“Lochy was good, he won his position and I thought he accounted himself really well,” Maney said.
“I was really happy with Brayden Smith.
“He stepped up to the level and had four or five marks, he should have kicked a goal and he really impressed me.
“I think we might have found something there to work with going forward.
“His form in the reserves was a little bit up and down but the opportunity presented itself and I think he will play a few more senior games this year.”
Bradley Merrett continued his strong form this season and was named amongst Penola’s best players for the seventh consecutive game this season.
Merrett has led by example in the backline this season but also contributed going forward on Saturday when he kicked two goals.
“We utilised Brad Merrett on the wing when we had the breeze and he was playing with a fair bit of freedom,” Maney said.
“He had another good game but it probably wasn’t the best conditions for a high-marking player.”
Bradley Bryant continued his impressive from this season that has earnt him a call-up to the Interleague side this weekend.
“Bryant had a really good game and got better as the game went on,” Maney said.
“He has worked his way into the season and his last few weeks have been huge for us.
“Caleb Lythgo was really good again as well, but probably the unsung hero of the day was Will Clayfield.
“He had a passage of play late in the second quarter where he copped two massive hits and also set up a goal.
“It is those sorts of players who make up a good football side and I thought he was huge.
The Eagles return to action on June 14 when they take on Kingston at home in Round 8 of Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara football.
