The Wombats fell short to Shepparton East by a single point in the preliminary final last year, and the heartbreak of that loss has appeared all the motivation required to make a strong statement in the Kyabram District League this season.
Holding the Bulldogs to zero points in the first quarter in Merrigum, Lancaster got it rolling early, despite not nailing it’s shot attempts.
A 2.6 first quarter was a good platform to build off in the second period, where the Wombats turned up the heat, kicking a further 4.4 to finish strong at the major break.
Merrigum was able to find its footing in the second quarter and were more accurate than Lancaster in that time, slotting four goals and a pair of behinds to make the deficit 20 at half-time.
The Wombats’ lockdown defence in the third term meant scoring options were limited for the Bulldogs, who added just 1.4 to its tally.
Meanwhile, Lancaster started the second half as strongly as it began the first, nailing 3.2 to push the lead out to 30.
The Bulldogs managed just one goal in the final frame to finish its day on 6.6 (42) but for the Wombats, the job wasn’t finished as it had its most productive period of play down the stretch, kicking 5.3 in the fourth quarter to finish on 14.15 (99).
The 57-point victory for Lancaster was produced by the goal-kicking antics of Cameron Simpson, who collected a bag for the match, along with strong production by Zaid Besim, Declan Hallett and Morrie Serra who walked away with a pair of goals each.
Lancaster coach Nick Ryan reflected on the match and enjoyed the development of his side through the preseason and into the opening round.
“For a round one hit out it was pretty solid, Merrigum have improved from last year so it will be interesting to see how they pan out,” he said.
“From where we developed from the practice matches, we are seeing really good signs, so hopefully it will put us somewhere around the mark this season.
“We have a pretty young group, we’ve kept that core group from last season pretty well intact, so there are many players who have played footy together, but there are new faces.
“So, there will be an adjustment period, but we are just getting better and better, so we are feeling good.”
Ryan also emphasised that while past success doesn’t necessarily define Lancaster’s new group of players in a new season, the heartbreak of 2024 has given an extra boost of motivation to return to the top echelon of the KDL.
“I think what happened last year has motivated us, it’s common when you have success to lose that spark a little bit, so it has given us a renewed sense of drive,” he said.
“We are also intent with the new players and myself as a new coach to create our own path and not focus too much on what has happened in the past.
“But, for our boys who were there for that success, it has given them a bit of a kick to reach for that next level again.”
The Wombats will have a week off in round two to rest and game plan as its eyes a showdown with competition rivals Girgarre in round three.
15°C