Lalor’s rebuild takes big step forward with biggest score since 2011

Lalor has shown significant improvement this season as it continues to rebuild and took a big step forward by booting its highest score since 2011.

Hirsi Twomey in action for Lalor. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Lalor kicked its biggest score since 2011 on Saturday to defeat Reservoir by 80 points.

The 21.25 (151) to 11.5 (71) win was the Bloods’ biggest team score since they smashed Thomastown by 139 points by booting 30.22 (202) in Round 2, 2011.

It’s the latest step forward for the NFL Division 3 club who are rebuilding after on and off-field struggles in recent seasons.

Despite losing its opening three matches Lalor put up stronger showings against Mernda (27 points) and Old Eltham Collegians (12 points).

Coach Gary Cutler said it was a reward for effort.

Lalor coach Gary Cutler. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“For the boys more than anything else it’s really important to get the win to show we’re on the right path,” he said.

“We could easily be 3-1, we gave one away against Eltham and bad kicking cost us against Mernda.

“We wanted to make a statement, not for anyone else but ourselves, that we can do that.

“Once you get one (win) you want more and it’s important for us to understand we can play good footy.”

Jacob Duson and Nathan Smith both booted four goals in the win as 12 Lalor players got on the scoreboard.

Cutler was disappointed the margin wasn’t bigger but was pleased with the spread of attacking options his team now boasted.

“We missed so many easy shots, we could have easily kicked 35 goals,” he said.

“To kick 21 goals and Sammy (Rexhepi) only kicked one, we’re playing him in a different role these days.

Emrys Black and Hirsi Twomey clash in ruck. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“His goal assists are unbelievable, Sammy roamed across half-forward and probably gave off five or six goals.

“We’re trying to find other avenues to goal so Sammy doesn’t get bombarded with double teams … it’s much easier to defend one guy than multiple options.”

New recruit Nathan Gioffre was named best on ground for Lalor, while Jake Langborne and Augustus Polidano also impressed.

“The kid (Gioffre) is amazing, I don’t think he’s played footy since under-15s, he just came down with his mates this season,” Cutler said.

“We’ve been playing him at full-back or centre half-back but we moved him up to a wing (on Saturday) and he was supreme.

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“He’s a 20-year-old, six-foot-four, really athletic and is going to be a good player for us for a long time.”

The news should get better for Lalor as well with Paz and Dom Paccuzzo, Daniel Polidano and several other players set to return in the coming weeks.

Nick Gregson kicked six goals for Reservoir in his best game for his new club, while Ryan Evans and Jack Smith also impressed.

Lalor hosts a red hot South Morang in Round 5 while Reservoir travels to Kilmore.