Shepparton United’s Jesse Cucinotta gets a kick away while under pressure from Mansfield markers on Saturday.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Fast starts break hearts.
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That was the long and short of how Mansfield dug its boot into Shepparton United’s hopes of a first win of the new Goulburn Valley League season on Saturday.
The Eagles kicked five goals to United’s one in a domineering first quarter, one which would ultimately prove the difference as Jack Hutchins’ side held on for a 13.15 (93) to 12.4 (76) triumph in a spectator-friendly arm wrestle at Deakin Reserve.
Mansfield’s Tom Dunstan looks to carry the pill forward.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton United’s Samuel Jackson buys himself some time with the footy.
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Megan Fisher
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Mansfield’s William Christopher tussles with Shepparton United’s Samuel McInneny.
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Megan Fisher
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Shepparton United’s Kyle Clarke fires up after kicking his side’s first.
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Megan Fisher
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Mansfield’s Dirk Koenen contests a mark against Shepparton United’s Liam Serra.
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Megan Fisher
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Shepparton United’s Jordan Loverso weighs up his next move with players oncoming.
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Megan Fisher
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Shepparton United’s Angus Hicks steams on to a bouncing ball.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“It was a great win from our part; we knew United, on the back of some momentum last week against Echuca, they were going to be in it the whole game,” Hutchins said.
“To their credit, they weren’t out of it at all and kept coming and coming.
“I think it was a really good win from our point of view to be able to withstand that pressure and still come away with some scoring opportunities.
“I think it was good all round - a great game to watch, I would’ve thought.”
Arid April conditions took hold as the heat beat down on Deakin in the 2pm time slot, but Mansfield displayed cool heads as Will Foster drew first blood via a left-footed snap two minutes in.
United’s early entries were simply fodder for Dirk Koenen and his robust Mansfield backline, and up the other end, the Eagles were ahead by four goals with the first quarter not even close to being done.
Kyle Clarke finally got United on the board with a junk time set shot from 50, but Hutchins had the last laugh as he lurked in the square, received service and lashed home to bump the lead out to 25 points.
It was a bad opening for the hosts, but the Demons soon flashed their teeth.
Liam Serra’s first was followed by a towering mark and conversion by Jordan Loverso before James Herridge crashed home his first to keep the home cheers at bay.
Soon Serra was at it again, threading the needle from 50 on the angle.
Then came the moment of the match so far.
Harry Mahoney, back from Collingwood VFL duties, seemed poised to set a shot from 50 but instead dropped the ball into a full throttle, straight running Matt King, who had no trouble ripping one through the sticks from outside the arc.
United entered the third quarter 17 points adrift but got rolling through Hume Hurley, however, like his brother, fellow Pies’ VFL gun Max Mahoney added a major of his own to keep the buffer at three goals.
United notched two more to keep things tight, but a pair conceded the other way - one of which resulted from a 50m penalty that swung through on the three-quarter time siren - knocked some stuffing out of the home side.
United kicked four goals to Mansfield’s three in the final exchange, but thanks to its first quarter graft, the Eagles were able to walk away unscathed and make it two from two following a round one victory over Mooroopna.
Hutchins (three goals) was impressed by Mansfield sturdy work at the back, lauding the likes of best-on-ground Ben Les, King and Koenen while praising the improvement of Gus Van Der Heyden in the ruck.
He also spoke highly of the Mahoney brothers, saying Mansfield isn’t likely to see their talents too often in the high country this season.
“They’re playing some great footy,” he said.
“I don’t think we’ll get to see them much with the way they’re playing, and they’ve got some really good opportunities in the VFL but any chance we get to have them back is a real treat.”
Meanwhile, Serra (three goals) was among United’s best alongside Samuel McInneny.
The Demons gear up for a Good Friday epic against Shepparton at Deakin Reserve, while Mansfield eyes off a Saturday blockbuster versus Seymour.
“Easter weekend is always a great weekend for the community,” Hutchins said.
“I think the last time we played against Seymour at Easter was really close, we ended up coming from behind in the last quarter.
“It was electrifying scenes - we had 5000 people at the game - so we’re really looking forward to it, can’t wait.”
