Calder Cannons claim win over Northern Knights despite missing captain, vice-captain and coach

No captain, no vice-captain, no coach, no worries. Ned Gentile, Max Simpson and Zach Molloy rise to the occasion to guide Calder Cannons past NAB League rivals Northern Knights.

Jacob Martin puts Calder Cannons into attack.

Despite missing star pair Brodie Newman and Daniel Mott, Calder Cannons claimed a crucial nine-point NAB League win over Northern Knights on Saturday.

Stand-in captain Ned Gentile was outstanding in the victory at Preston City Oval, while Zach Molloy, Jeremy O’Sullivan and Max Simpson also impressed.

The 10.5 (65) to 8.8 (56) win lifted Calder into the top six for the first time this season.

Newman, Mott and young forward Harry Jones showed promising signs in Vic Metro’s loss to Vic Country on Saturday and will fly with the squad to Western Australia for Round 2.

With coach Ross Smith also on Vic Metro duties, Brad Murphy took the reins and was proud of the players who stood up when required.

Joshua Hotchkin in action for Calder Cannons.

Curtis Brown in action for Calder Cannons.

Julian Janev is run down by Sam Ramsey.

Jacob Martin puts Calder Cannons on the attack.

“We missed Brodie and Daniel, we missed our private school boys as well, so with a few injuries upwards of 10 players didn’t play,” Murphy said.

“It was a good opportunity for some younger guys to get a game. We played a few 17-year-olds and four first-gamers.

“We put a bit on Ned Gentile this week, he captained the club.

“He stood up as a captain should and he played a really good game through the middle.”

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Gentile collected 21 disposals, four marks and three tackles while showcasing his classy ball use rebounding out of defence and in attack.

Simpson was the leading possession-winner with 27 touches and 12 marks across half-back and kicked a crucial last-quarter goal to snuff out a Knights comeback.

O’Sullivan kicked three goals while Fraser Evans added two.

Murphy liked what he saw from O’Sullivan.

Brad Murphy talks to his players filling in for Calder Cannons coach Ross Smith.

Harry Jones in action for Vic Metro against Vic Country at the MCG.

“Jeremy’s played a bit of everywhere; down back, in the ruck, high forward and deep forward,” he said.

“If he can put it all together, I reckon he could be a very good player in the future.

“He just hasn’t quite put it together just yet but when he does he’ll turn some heads.”

The Cannons debuted four players — Riley Mason (Broadford), Nathan Stewart (Assumption), Giacomo Thomas (Craigieburn) and Josh Eyre (Kilmore).

At the MCG, Newman showed why he’s projected to a be a top draft pick with a fine performance in defence for Metro.

The Calder captain finished with 19 disposals and six marks, while Mott collected 12 touches and two clearances.

Harry Jones kicked a goal and collected 10 disposals and two clearances.

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