But the Moree Suns say they got off to a blistering start to their Tamworth AFL debut season on Saturday – just don’t mention the score. 

Despite going down to the Inverell Saints by more than 200 points, secretary Brett Petersen said the scoreboard was not a reflection of the contest put up by the locals, a mix of reformed rugby league players, grizzled veterans and teenagers. 

“We were at every contest but they were so well trained that every time we missed a pass or let them through they kicked a goal,” Petersen said. 

“But it was not for lack of effort or want to win, we definitely played to win and fought it out to the final siren. They were just a much more experienced and better trained side.”

On the plus side, Petersen said the Suns, many of whom had never played a game of Aussie Rules before, would have plenty to work on ahead of their next match.

“They definitely taught us a lot,” he said. “Our effort was fantastic. 

“We really stuck it out to the end and even though they were scoring against us all the time we just kept going.  

“That’s how you learn the game.”

Already missing some key players, the Suns were given a cruel double blow in the opening quarter when both experienced centre-half back Sam Mulligan and young speedster Connor Lovett hobbled off the ground. 

Against a steady flow of goals, full-forward Michael Davison gave a strong home crowd something to cheer for in the third quarter when he kicked the club’s first goal and they responded as if it was a match winner.  

It wasn’t though, Keegan Mills kicked the last goal of the game to see the score finish 2.5.17 to 35.19.229.

Seventeen-year-old centre Max Beinke received the coach’s player of the match award while ruckman Joe Hinchliffe was named player’s player. Hinchliffe was also given another award with a colourful but unprintable title after he was sent off with minutes to go. 

The Suns’ next game will be away to the Tamworth Swans on March 2. Their next home match will be the following week against the Gunnedah Bulldogs.