A couple of Coolamon's new recruits turned it on in front of a big home crowd as the Hoppers got their season off to a flying start on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Coolamon proved too good for a gallant Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong in an entertaining local derby, 16.8 (104) to 13.7 (85) at Kindra Park.
Former AFL player Jake Barrett announced his arrival with an impressive first outing in Coolamon colours, with Jeremiah Maslin almost stealing the show.
Maslin followed Barrett to the Hoppers and the pair put on a show together in their first game at their new club.
Maslin played deep forward and finished with five goals, while Barrett kicked three within the space of 14 minutes in the third quarter in a best-on-ground display.
At the other end of the ground, GGGM captain Ben Walsh did everything he could to keep the Lions in the contest with a seven-goal haul in a losing team.
The Lions were left without any bench from quarter-time as injuries hit hard but it did not stop the visitors from finishing the game off hard.
Coolamon led by 43 points late in the third quarter only for GGGM to close within 14 points late in the final term.
Coolamon co-coach Jamie Maddox was pleased to start their season with a win.
"It's very good. We'll take the four points straight off the bat," Maddox said.
"Not playing for five weeks, we were a bit rusty in patches but we'll definitely take the four points for sure.
"I thought we played well in patches but we also had a few lapses at times and let them back in, which was disappointing. But you've got to expect that for your first game. Ganmain will always get their run ons."
After an off-season full of optimism and with a big crowd turning out for the Hoppers' long-awaited season opener, Maddox was pleased his team lived up to the expectation.
"It's a bit of momentum for us early," he said.
"A massive crowd and with the facilities looking so good, to get the win to top it off is really, really good."
When questioned on Barrett and Maslin's club debut, Maddox had a short but simple response.
"Yep. They're pretty handy. That's all we need to say," he said.
Aside from Barrett and Maslin, it was a couple of Coolamon's youngsters that enjoyed big games with Ryan Allen and Nick Buchanan strong in defence.
Walsh was the star for the Lions with seven goals, while Jesse Lander and Aaron Proctor worked hard throughout.
The Lions will be hoping for good news on injured trio Jack Sase (knee), James Finucane (elbow) and Mick Rothnie (hamstring).
READ MORE
