Imps win first game in more than 600 days in Sunraysia league
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti had a day out but it was two other Imps recruits who shone as the bottom-placed club from last year defeated the grand finalists in the Sunraysia league.
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Despite their impressive first-up win Imperial is not getting ahead of themselves in the Sunraysia league.
Led by ex-AFL livewire Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti the bottom-placed club from last year stunned grand finalists, Robinvale Euston, by 27 points for their first win in more than a year.
In fact, it was 617 days since their last win, round 15 in 2022.
The contest was won in the first and final term with Imperial kicking five goals to two to open up a 22-point lead at the first break.
After the Eagles fought their way into the contest in the second and third terms the margin was reduced to four points early in the last.
But Imperial kicked four final term goals, including a vital goal from McDonald-Tipungwuti.
The former Essendon goal sneak kicked three goals to be one of the best players in the contest.
“He was very impressive,” Imperial president Dale Clifford said.
“He did a few things not other player could do.”
But it could have been a better day out for the ex-AFL star.
“He kicked 3.5 and it could have been 5.3,” Clifford said.
“But his pressure and his leadership at breaks and out on the ground is something we love.”
Clifford said it wasn’t just McDonald-Tipungwuti who impressed.
Imperial’s two other recruits from Queensland, Aaron Laskey and Ryley Buntain, also impressed.
Both, who played with Noosa in premierships in the QAFL, led from the front in the middle to overcome the Eagles.
Laskey kicked three goals and was one of the best in the midfield with Buntain resolute in defence.
“We wanted leaders and that’s exactly what we’ve got that,” Clifford said.
“They are teaching our younger players how to play every time.
“We’re stoked with them coming to the club.”
Imperial’s credentials as a potential finalist will be put to the test in the next three weeks as part of a tough month of football.
The team faces Mildura, Wentworth and Irymple next.
“This isn’t a one-year plan for us, this is about long term consistency with the group,” Clifford said.
Robinvale Euston showed glimpses of it’s best form which got them to the grand final.
Reigning Sunraysia league medallist Benji Neal was their best.
The Eagles now face reigning premiers Irymple this Saturday.
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