Alex Rogers had some great seasons at the Northern Jets but he didn't miss the chance to impress against them either, with a strong performance in East Wagga-Kooringal's 29-point win at Gumly Oval on Saturday.
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Rogers was a key factor as the Hawks delivered a big second half for an 11.17 (83) to 8.6 (54) win.
The Hawks controlled the first quarter but, against a Jets outfit lifted by the unexpected return of Ovens and Murray League footballers Adam and Lachie Flagg, they were just three points up at half-time.
But they found their rhythm in the third, with 11 scoring shots to two opening up a 17-point lead, which they extended in the final term.
"I thought our first quarter was really good... at half-time I let them know that we went away from what we want to do and to their credit they played it out really well, so I was happy in that regard," Hawks coach Matt Hard said.
Seventeen behinds wasn't particularly pleasing. The Hawks have now kicked 99 in their seven games (along with 83 goals). Putting it in context, teams playing against them have kicked 39 behinds (and 63 goals).
"It's becoming a bit of a problem our kicking. We're probably letting ourselves down in front of goal and just around the ground a little bit which has been a bit costly for us. The other side is we're getting shots at goal but we'll keep working on it," Hard said.
The Hawks' fifth win in seven games took them back into the top three while the result tipped the Jets out of the five.
It's also two straight wins after EWK lost nearly a third of the team to injuries three weeks ago.
"I've always thought our depth is good and I think having six or so top quality players missing and be able to bring in six quality players shows where that's at," Hard said.
Tom Pocock was also strong for the Hawks and Harry Fitzsimmons turned in another big game while defender Nic Curran's value was highlighted by keeping Matt Wallis to two goals.
"Love the way he goes about it and keeps taking on challenges. He keeps giving away size and everything else... I was rapt with Nic's game," Hard said.
Sam and Jack Fisher and ruckman Lachie Jones led the Jets' efforts.
But Rogers' form continued his impressive and consistent first season at Gumly.
"He was very consistent throughout. He was on Mitch Haddrill which was a different assignment... Alex was keen to play well against his old side and he did so we were rapt for him," Hard said.
Two young guns led the goalkicking with Ryan Bourne (EWK) and Charlie McCormack (Jets) both finishing with three.
Full-time:
East Wagga-K 4.5, 5.7, 8.15, 11.17 (83)
Northern Jets 2.2, 5.4, 7.4, 8.6 (54)
Goals: (EWK) Ryan Bourne 3, Brenton Roberts 2, Nicholas Hull 2, Alexander Rogers 2, Benjamin Cadzow 1, Luke Cuthbert 1; (Jets) Charlie McCormack 3, Lachlan Flagg 2, Matthew Wallis 2, Mitch Haddrill 1.
Best: (EWK) Alexander Rogers, Harry Fitzsimmons, Ethan Andrews, Tom Pocock, Harrison Leddin, Kade Rowbotham; (Jets) Samuel Fisher, Lachlan Jones, Jack Fisher, Brad McKinnon, Harry Morris, Sam Clemson.
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