Ex-AFL star Ben Reid kicks six for Wangaratta

An ex-AFL star picked up where he left off with a bag in the Ovens and Murray League while a former Melbourne forward also shined.

Ben Reid made a massive impact on his return from injury. Photo: Michael Klein

Former Collingwood star Ben Reid is back and already causing issues for opposition defenders.

The 32-year-old returned to the field for Wangaratta on Saturday in the Ovens and Murray Football League in the best way possible.

Reid booted six goals as the Magpies flexed their muscle to secure a 63-point win over Yarrawonga.

The All-Australian had not been seen since the first three games of the season.

Magpies coach Dean Stone said Reid’s presence on the ground would give his side another boost in their pursuit of a premiership.

“Everything Ben has added to our group on and off the field has been fantastic,” he said.

“He has plenty of experience out on the ground and all our boys listen to him. He’s very much an on field coach for us and that’s something we can continue using to our advantage.

“Hopefully he can continue on with this form in the coming weeks.”

Michael Newton, the competition’s lead goal kicker, had a strong outing of his own kicking three goals as Abraham Ankers added two.

But it was the defence which drew plenty of praise from Stone after holding the Pigeons to just one goal after quarter-time.

“I didn’t think we had a bad player all day,” he said.

“Our physicality in the contest was terrific and that started from our defence. As a group they showed terrific organisation and discipline.

“The way they set up allowed us to attack and score freely like we did.”

Despite being listed as the home side, all Ovens and Murray games were moved to NSW this weekend to allow for bigger crowds.

It meant Wangaratta’s game was part of a double header which also included a game between Lavington and Wodonga, with the latter coming away with the four points.

“I thought the concept worked really well,” Stone said.

“It was just great to be back out on the ground again and the league did a terrific job to make sure everything ran smoothly.”

VFL young gun fires

The continued hold up of the VFL season meant Wodonga fans got the opportunity to see young gun Hudson Garoni in action.

The 21-year-old produced a dominant display kicking seven goals to help his side to get the better of reigning premiers Lavington by 18 points.

Oliver Greenhill, Harry Jones and Charlie Morrison were named as the better players for the Bulldogs.

Albury Tigers were too good for Myrtleford, who were missing a host of walk up starters, winning by 84 points.

Cameron McLeod and Jacob Conlan kicked three apiece for the Tigers.

Scott Meyer was at his devastating best as Wodonga Raiders beat North Albury by 84 points with the big man booting four.

Debutant Brayden George stole the show for Wangaratta Rovers as he kicked four goals in a best on ground display as his side got the better of Corowa-Rutherglen.

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