A captivating first round of fixtures in the Tyrepower Manjimup League season saw an early statement of intent from Deanmill, with the Hawks launching a first quarter blitz at the reigning Premiers, Boyup Brook.
The quarter time scoreline was an early wake up call for the Roos, trailing 6.4.40 to 0.2.2 at their home ground. Cooper Sparks, Brock Tempra and Blair Fowler hit the scoreboard early and the likes of Archie Hall were getting to work.
Boyup Brook were able to break even in the second quarter, after what was likely a straight shooting quarter time message from Mat Michael. The half time break saw Deanmill ahead by 35 points, but the signs were there that the Roos might be about to find their groove. Reigning two time Tyrepower Medalist, David Cowan, started to get busy and Luke Reilly went to work to peg back the deficit.
With the game finely poised at half time, a dour arm wrestle could have been the result in the third quarter as two teams aiming for big things in 2025 looked for an early win. What the crowd in attendance got was the exact opposite as both teams piled on 6 goals and flexed their respective attacking muscle.
The end to end action played into Deanmill’s hands courtesy of their lead, with the margin still 35 points at 3/4 time and the clock now as much the enemy for the Roos as the two teams had traded blows for the two previous quarters, only for the margin to still sit around the six. goal mark.
The final quarter saw another attacking flurry as Deanmill ran out eventual winners, 20.11.131 to 15.8.98. For the victors, Fowler and Jordan Strahan both finished with 4 goals, while Tempra added 3. For Boyup Brook, Cowan started the new season with a bag of 5, and was supported by Mitchell Kings adding 3 of his own.
In Pemberton, last year’s 5th and 6th placed sides looked for early signs of whether productive off seasons would see a return to finals action. It was Bridgetown who got the early jump, taking an 8 point lead to the quarter time break. Jacob Duncan, Josh Power and Brett Wilson were prominent as the Bulldogs tried to exert an early influence.
The second quarter saw each side add 2 goals to their total and Bridgetown took a 3 point lead into the half time break, with Southerners stopping the scoring avenues Bridgetown had been able to find early. The third quarter once again saw a 2 goal apiece effort, and the sides went to the final change with the scores locked at 58 apiece. Souths would have been ruing some missed opportunities as they turned for home, the 3/4 time scoreline reading 7.16 to 9.4.
It was Bridgetown’s turn to pepper the goals in the final quarter, adding 3.7 to their total as Souths added a straight 2 goals. While the Bulldogs looked for chances to put the game to bed, they did enough to run out 13 point winners, 12.11.83 to 9.16.70. New recruit, Callen Sprigg, did all he could to lift Souths, kicking 4 goals in his League Debut. Wilson added to his impressive goal tally for the Bulldogs with 5, and Matthew Tilbee had a happy homecoming as he wore Bulldogs colours for the first time since 2018 and added 4 of his own.
At Kojonup, the Cougars got their season off to a flier with a 58 point win over the young Tigers outfit, 8.20.68 to 1.4.10. In the process Cougars fans got their first glimpse of the talented Kyron Hayden. The one time Pick #62 for North Melbourne in the AFL National Draft showed signs that he will not only be a welcome addition to Kojonup, but a definite watch for all supporters of LSWFL action. Lachlan O’Shea was also prominent, while for Tigers fans, seeing some of their talented young players develop will be a highlight. James Johnston was outstanding in just his 7th League game, while Jakeb Burford also shone in his first game back in Tigers colours.
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