NAB League Boys 2021: Dandenong Stingrays defeat Gippsland Power

200cm ruckman and forward Mac Andrews was in the best as Dandenong Stingrays got the better of Gippsland Power.

Dandenong Stingrays opened the NAB League Boys season in style.

Twelve kicks, 10 handballs, 12 hit-outs, three marks, three tackles … all from a 200cm ruckman on debut in the NAB League Boys.

Big Mac Andrew made his mark for the Dandenong Stingrays on Saturday as they opened their season with a 12.15 (87) to 7.6 (48) victory over Gippsland Power.

Andrew, 18, was one of 14 Stingrays appearing in the NAB League for the first time.

Playing as a ruck and key forward, he was in the best players for the Rays, who had the match stitched up by half time when they led by eight goals.

Coach Nick Cox said it was a “very pleasing win’’ in hot conditions at Morwell.

He said the Stingrays were out to play an “exciting’’ style this year and Saturday was a good start.

“I thought we moved the ball with flair at times, and that’s what we want to do, not only to win games but to impress recruiters and the like,’’ he said.

“We executed that at times. High energy, quick ball movement. We realise we’ll make some mistakes along the way but as we go on the less we make will give us more opportunities to hit the scoreboard and thus put forward some players showing their natural talent.’’

Cox thought Miller Bergman (23 possessions) was best-afield with his poise across half back, shading captain-for-the-day Connor Macdonald, who had five shots at goal and 24 touches.

Judson Clarke, playing as forward and midfielder; Henry Berenger, adapting to a new role as a tall midfielder; key defender Justin Davies; and Jai Neal, who kicked three goals in the first quarter, were also prominent.

Neal came into the team late after a few players were forced to sit it with injury, including captain Bayleigh Welsh, Bryce Milford, Will Bravo, Lachie Cooper, Jordan Andrew, Hudsyn Hill and Mitch Harvey.

“We might have a full list to choose from this week, which will be difficult. Some boys who deserve to stay in the side will probably miss out,’’ Cox noted.

As for Andrew, Cox said he was impressive around the ground, playing like a fourth onballer at times.

The Berwick Junior Football Club product is attached to the Melbourne Next Generation Academy.

“He was one who jumped out of the ground,’’ Cox said.

“Really good below his knees, got around the ground really well.’’

Andrew shared the ruck duties with Patrick Gerdan, who also showed his potential as a forward.

Kobi George, who is also in the Melbourne NGA, paraded his pace off half back. He’s the son of former Dandenong VFA player David George.

Josiah Kyle kicked two goals and had “some special moments’’, and James Cahill was another winner on a day when they were in abundance for the Stingrays.