Moree Suns have received a massive boost to their 2017 season, recording their first win on Saturday against the Narrabri Eagles.
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In front of a home crowd, the Suns dominated the Eagles, with the final score 18.18-126 to 9.6-60.
Suns co-coach Angus Croft said the win has given the side a big confidence boost.
“I’m very happy, all the boys are stoked,” he said.
“To have a win this early on in the season will definitely get our confidence up.
“We’re pretty confident about beating them again and a few other teams as well.”
A number of young players joined the side for Saturday’s match, helping the Suns to victory.
Tyson Green, Rhys Smith, Byron Smith and Adrian Smith all had a big influence on the game, with Adrian and Byron kicking three goals each, while forward Zac Collier kicked an impressive four goals.
Captain Wyatt Roberts was also a stand-out, along with midfielder Matt Lather.
“Everyone deserves a mention,” Croft said.
“Eleven of our 19 players are under 20, and to be playing against the bigger guys is a great effort.
“It’s not so much the fitness that they bring, it’s the run – they were so quick, Narrabri couldn’t keep up.”
Along with an improvement in forward entries and midfield pressure, Croft said their top defensive pressure helped win them the game.
“The defensive pressure was good all game, led by the more experienced players in the team, Jayme Dempster and Ross Parsons,” he said.
“Because of this pressure Ash Jones was able to really open up the game with his speed out of the back line when we managed to create a turnover. Ash is one of the players that has improved rapidly, along with Jared Lidgerwood, who really put it to their ruck man, who is by far the best in the comp.”
The Suns are currently sitting at fifth on the Tamworth AFL competition ladder, just behind Narrabri.
Moree will get a well-earned rest this weekend with the bye before travelling to Armidale on Saturday, May 6 to take on the New England Nomads, who have been undefeated for the past three years.
“It’s going to be a tough match,” Croft said.