EDFL: Calder Cannons product lights up on Doutta Stars debut

A Calder Cannons product dazzled on his senior debut for Essendon Doutta Stars as it secured a pivotal early season win with a star recruit also impressing.

Maison Goodman may never make a better first impression on the footy field.

The Calder Cannons product lit up his senior debut for Essendon Doutta Stars with a best on ground performance in his side’s victory over Airport West.

Goodman booted three goals as the Stars ran out 11.6 (72) to 9.7 (61) winners against Airport West to secure a four points which could prove pivotal later in the Essendon District Premier Division season.

With the Cannons enjoying the start of the Coates Talent League community break, it was the perfect opportunity for Stars coach Barry Prendergast to blood the young gun.

And the new Stars senior mentor revealed a positional switch was one of the key factors in Goodman’s performance.

“He’s been playing a little bit of wing and halfback for the Cannons but I thought we could use him up around the midfield and down forward,” he said.

“I had a little bit to do with Maison when I was at Assumption College and he was a player I wanted to bring to the club. It was actually his first game against men as well.

“It was a super impressive performance. A lot of our young guys were impressive — Oskar Balta, the Ryan brothers, Harry and Liam.

“We had about 14 guys who have played under 50 games at the level. For us, it’s about keeping things in perspective.

“Playing these young guys is going to be important for the future of the football club.”

Tom Wallis, one of the club’s headline recruits, continued his impressive start to the season to again be named among his side’s better players.

Darcy Runting, Giacomo Thomas, Noah Smallacombe and Campbell Wearne were also impressive.

“Our leaders have been very important for us, they understand the direction we’re going in,” Prendergast said.

“Tom was terrific, as he was last week. His attack on the footy has been relentless.”

Prendergast said the game was “tight all day”.

Despite leading at every change, the hosts never led by more than double figures during breaks.

“We thought it was always going to be a pretty winnable game especially after we saw the results from last week,” he said.

“We got a good audit of ourselves against Strathmore in the opening game and took away some important lessons from that one.”

Josh Buchanan was named best afield for Airport West while Luca Muratore finished with three goals.

Doutta Stars will next turn their attention to Avondale Heights while Airport West faces another stern test against East Keilor.