GVL | Mooroopna claws its way past Shepparton United

It was Nield’s best performance of the season after he led the league in goals last year with 82, with his side prevailing 12.12 (84) to 10.9 (69).

Cats coach John Lamont said it was a good day out for the key forward.

“Chris was really good. His pressure was good, and when his pressure is up, that is always a good sign for him,” Lamont said.

“He led well and we were able to kick the ball to his advantage, which was pleasing to see.

“He hasn’t kicked bags in the first couple of games, but conditions were greasy and wet, he has definitely had a positive start to the season.”

With a perfect 3-0 win-loss record next to Mooroopna’s name, Lamont said it had been a good start to the year – even if his side hasn’t reached its full potential yet.

“It is a position you wish to be in,” he said.

“I feel we have just been doing enough against teams, we haven’t hit our straps just yet. But we are getting more games into young players and new players are finding their way.

“As many coaches before me have said, you are learning lessons all the time and if you get four points at the same time, that is a long way in front of getting beaten.”

Conditions were perfect for footy on a sunny afternoon at Deakin Reserve and it was the home side that had the best of the first quarter as the Dees led by eight points at the end of the first term.

“Shepp United’s pressure was really good, they definitely came to play, no doubt about that,” Lamont said.

“They had the opening round win which was great for them after a tough year last year. They were certainly up for it.”

Mooroopna responded with three goals to two in the second stanza, earning a one-point lead at half-time.

The Cats have been late-game specialists of sorts in rounds one and two, kicking away in the final term on both occasions to seal the four points. That proved to be the case once again at the weekend, with Mooroopna edging away from the Demons late in the encounter.

The Cats kicked seven goals to five in the second half – and two to one in the final term – to secure the four points.

Lamont said he thought there was one key element behind Mooroopna’s late-game flourishes.

“I think it is a bit of belief,” he said.

“We have had a really good pre-season and there is a bit of belief after the 12-6 season last year and winning a final.”

Lamont said there were plenty of contributors across the board for Mooroopna.

“It was a very even performance. Our midfield group with Liam and Keelin Betson and Ethan Hunt and Jack Hunt, Bryce Rutherford and Kai Madgwick – they kept turning up and doing their bit,’’ he said.

“Down back, Ben Woods, Oscar Lear-Camci and Reed Maskell-Dobbyn – they all did their bit when needed and that’s what you need to do to win.”

For United, Jayden Magro continued his good form in front of goals with three majors – an achievement that brings his season tally to 12, the most goals in the league.

Still though, Lamont said he thought the Cats did well to limit Magro to three.

“He (Magro) will kick three most weeks, he was quite impressive,” Lamont said.

“Nield kicked six at one end and we held their bloke to three down the other. If that gets reversed, United wins.”

The loss has United drop to 1-2 on the year, with back-to-back defeats following its round one win.

The Demons will travel to take on Euroa in round four, while Mooroopna will welcome Seymour to the Cattery.