Farrer League
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EAST Wagga-Kooringal coach Gavin McMahon isn't prepared to make any bold statements about the Hawks' premiership chances despite knocking off title favourite and reigning champion Temora twice in as many months.
Saturday's victory was much more convincing than the round six result, as Farrer League improver EWK ran all over the club that has won the flag for the past two years.
It was a relatively even start to the blockbuster at Nixon Park as the Kangaroos snuck in front by a goal at the first break to snag an early lead.
But that was to be as close as Temora would come to taking the competition points.
EWK's veteran centre half-forward Chris Jackson swung the game in the second term almost single-handedly, booting three goals from set shots outside the 50m arc.
He had the chance to make it four when he took another strong mark and took a shot late in the quarter but sprayed it for a behind.
The Hawks had edged in front by two goals at the main break but it was the third quarter which put the game on ice.
EWK kicked 5.1 to 1.1 for the term to run away with the scoreboard.
The onslaught continued after the last change as EWK won 16.5 (101) to 6.8 (44).
When asked if he had Temora "figured out" after the win, McMahon was blunt in his assessment.
"I don't think so," he said.
"I think both sides will look a lot different if we're fortunate enough to play them again later in the year.
"They'd still be on top after today (Saturday)."
If the two clubs do meet during finals the Hawks can take bucket loads of confidence from Saturday's performance.
They smothered Temora with their pressure when the Kangaroos had the ball, and moved it quickly when they won it.
EWK looked smooth when running into its forward line and full forward Marc Geppert had the ball kicked down his throat on countless occasions.
Geppert was on fire as he took a number of good leading marks and booted eight goals for the game.
It was hard to pick a passenger from the Hawks but Ben Absolum, Jackson, Geppert, Joe Scott, Nathan Scott and Trent Garner were all outstanding.
Garner played directly on Temora centre half-forward Matt Wallis but also took a number of telling marks across the half-back line.
McMahon was thrilled with the performance.
"That's probably the fourth four-quarter team effort we've put in and to do it against quality opposition, you would take it every day," McMahon said.
EWK small forward Alex Mackenzie left the ground late in the game holding his wrist but the injury didn't appear to be too severe.