Moama makes fast start in statement win over Tongala

By Alexander Dabb

Jul 16, 2023

Instant impact: Moama assistant coach Jye Warren returned from injury against Tongala and was straight back among the goal kickers. Photos: Lauren Davy

After a disappointing loss last week to Nathalia which saw it fall outside the top two, Moama was keen to make a statement when it travelled to take on Tongala.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The intent was evident from the beginning, as the Magpies jumped out of the blocks to record a 6.7 (43) to 2.1 (13) first term, a fact that pleased coach Sam Sheldon.

“It was probably nearly our best first quarter for the year,” he said.

“It was a long week for the boys. We were pretty disappointed ourselves obviously with the Nathalia loss, so to come out and put their best foot forward, it was a good first quarter.”

With the foundation set for a solid win at just quarter-time, the Pies extended the lead at every break bar one, cruising to a comfortable 15.13 (103) to 9.12 (66) win.

The return to form was aided by the inclusion of a number of key personnel who were absent from last weekend’s loss to the Purples, adding both youth and experience that was sorely missed.

“We had a few boys come back that strengthened us up a lot,” Sheldon said.

“The young Pios (Pioneers) boys in Jobe Shanahan and Lachie Hogan, and Mitchy Bell continued his good form for us as well.

“Kristan Height and Jack Sheldon coming back into the side, those two help a lot in the midfield, and also Jack Russell, our skipper. On reflection, I thought he played a really good, rounded game.”

Future star: Magpie Jobe Shanahan impressed upon his return from duties with the Bendigo Pioneers, slotting three majors in the win. Photos: Lauren Davy

Assistant coach Jye Warren also made his return from a knee injury, finding the goals in his first game since a round nine win over Cobram.

The win also marked the first time Moama has managed to kick more than 100 points against a team inside the top 10 on the ladder since round five, when it managed a total of 17.12 (114) against Barooga.

While ball movement and goal-kicking was worked on at training, Sheldon said the lack of a big score in recent weeks was not something addressed specifically at training.

“It’s just about training the good habits, I guess, getting into good positions and then taking opportunities when you get them, and we were able to do that,” he said.

“Everyone understands scoreboard pressure, and obviously the pressure comes on you if you kick more points than goals.”

It was Tom Sheldon who led the way on that front for the Pies, bagging five majors, complemented by Shanahan who chipped in with three, while Hogan and Lake each kicked two.

Joshua Pell was best-on-ground for the visitors, while Fraser Verhey continued his impressive return to the Magpies with another inclusion in the best players.

Moama will play Deniliquin next week, before a week off with the bye allows it to reset for the final three home-and-away rounds, while also casting an eye ahead to finals.

“Now it’s all about pretty much setting up,” Sheldon said.

“We’ve got five weeks to go, I think, and a bye, so it’s about trying to work out our best combination coming into finals, and just preparing certain blokes for certain roles that they might face come finals time.”