Ex-AFL pair Brent Guerra and Josh Gibson debut, Rhys Ford at Maldon

Two former Hawthorn premiership players debuted but it was a 22-goal haul from the state’s west which stole the show as country footy came alive again.

Rhys Ford bagged a resounding 22 goals for Maldon on Saturday. Photo: Maldon Football Netball Club.

As a forward, you know when the ball is coming off your boot perfectly.

Maldon’s Rhys Ford had that exact experience on Saturday as he booted a resounding 22 goals to mark the return of the Maryborough Castlemaine District League.

Ford was easily the best player on the ground as Maldon recorded a monster 270-point win over Maryborough Rovers.

His day out in front of goals also meant it bettered his previous record of 21 in a game back in 2019 against Campbells Creek.

Two years ago, he finished on 91 for the season and now has 50 majors from six games in 2020.

Remarkably, the weekend wasn’t enough to put Ford at the top of the competition’s goalkicking charts either.

Carisbrook forward Anthony Zelencich had a day out of his own booting 11 goals in his side’s 193-point win over the winless Dunolly.

Zelenich’s bag put him three clear of Ford with 53 for the season, with Lexton’s Lachlan Murray next best on 32.

Hawthorn champ makes Ballarat debut

Fans of the Ballarat Football Club finally got the moment they had been waiting for on Saturday when Josh Gibson made his debut.

The three-time Hawthorn premiership player was named in the best as the Swans got the better of East Point by five points in a thriller.

Deployed in defence, Gibson played a strong role as the young side secured their second win of the season to keep in touch with the competition’s top five.

Swans coach Joe Carmody said Gibson had been a fantastic acquisition for the club.

“He’s been really invested in everything we do,” he said.

“Josh is really putting in the effort to help our young guys get the best out of themselves.”

Another Hawk debuts in a thriller

It was a debut to remember for Brent Guerra for White Hills as his side came from behind to secure a thrilling six-point win in the Heathcote District League.

The two-time premiership Hawk booted a goal as the Demons avoided a second straight loss with former Carlton forward Jed Lamb kicking three.

Meanwhile, Ryan Semmel, who previously appeared on The Recruit, kicked two and was named in the best for Huntly.

Pez dispenses plenty of goals

Irymple goalsneak Nick Pezzaniti has again put on a show in the Sunraysia league.

The “Pez” kicked 11 goals as the Swallows produced a massive 119-point win over a South Mildura side that had been sitting inside the top two a fortnight ago.

Pezzaniti‘s forward craft has made him the league’s leading goal kicker this season with 34 – nine ahead of the next best.

His efforts also helped lift Irymple, the reigning premiers, back into the top two ahead of a mouthwatering match-up against third-placed Imperials next week.

Marong recruit’s perfect start

Brandyn Grenfell arrived at Marong with a big reputation and he has instantly delivered in his first game for the club.

The former Tatura big man booted 10 as his side romped to a 236-point win over Loddon Valley League strugglers Inglewood.

Kain Robbins also had a big day out with nine goals as Adrian Pappin booted six.

In a thrilling weekend across the competition, Bears Lagoon Serpentine and Bridgewater both won their respective games by just a point.

Brandyn Grenfell (ball) made a strong start to life in the Loddon Valley League. Photo: Glenn Campbell.

Eight for Arho

The biggest haul from the Central Murray league at the weekend belonged to Nyah Nyah West United‘s Brent Arho, who booted eight goals while being named among his side’s best.

Just one point separated the Demons and visiting side Lake Boga at halftime, but seven unanswered goals in the third quarter opened the floodgates for the home team.

Nyah Nyah West United earned a 49-point win, just their second victory of the season.

At the other end of the ground, former Essendon and Port Adelaide forward Angus Monfries kicked three goals for Lake Boga, who are still searching for their first win.

Loechel goes off again

Nangiloc key forward and co-coach Korey Loechel has continued on his goal kicking ways in the Millewa league in northwest Victoria.

Loechel booted 10 as the Demons comfortably accounted for Cardross by 89 points.

No stranger to kicking a bag, Loechel now has 44 goals for the season.

Next best in the league is Gol Gol‘s Adam Thomson with 30, with four of those coming in the Hawks’ Friday night win over Werrimull.

Well worth the wait

Moulamein forward Luke Smailes has had to wait a little longer than others to get back out on the ground.

On Saturday, he played his first game since May 1 and it was well worth the wait as he booted 10 goals in a best on ground display.

Smailes performance saw the Swans run out 61-point winners over Macorna in the Golden Rivers League.