South Morang starts life in NFNL Division 2 with a big win over St Mary’s

South Morang raised their premiership flags in front of a big crowd and kicked off their NFNL Division 2 campaign with a commanding win.

Kain Hall in action for South Morang. Picture: Hamish Blair

South Morang made the perfect return to NFNL Division 2, knocking off St Mary’s at Mill Park Lakes Reserve on Saturday.

The Lions raised their Division 3 senior and reserve grade premiership flags on the day and saluted with a comprehensive 47-point win in the main game.

Returning juniors Lachie Potter, Josh D’Intinosante, James Traianou and Kobe Davies all impressed in the 13.14 (92) to 6.9 (45) triumph.

Potter was a standout with three goals, returning to the club after representing the Northern Knights and spending two seasons at Watsonia, where he won back-to-back Team of the Year honours.

Lion coach Gary Hall said it was a landmark day for the club.

Ben Muscat in action for South Morang. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“It was a big day for the club – first game, flags raised, big crowd – so if you couldn’t get up for that,” he said.

“Seeing some of the boys play their first game back at the club was great and they slotted in nicely.

“We were quite sharp considering we’d come in with one practice match under our belt, so we’ll continue to improve for sure.”

Northern league legend Gary Moorcroft booted two in his debut for the club, while Coburg VFL-listed forward Josh D’Intinosante and former captain Matt Robinson also kicked two.

Moorcroft was on fire early before injuring his ankle in the second quarter, ending his day prematurely.

“Gaz start off really, really well but rolled his ankle unfortunately. He came off mid-way through the second quarter,” Hall said.

“He was a real focal point up there, he won one-on-one battles and I think had four or five shots early in the game, so it was a little bit of a loss.

“We’ll see how he pulls up, it could be a couple of weeks but I don’t think it was anything nasty.”

Scores were level at quarter-time before South Morang broke the game open with four goals to one in the second term.

The Lions then ran away from their more fancied opponents after half-time, piling on seven goals to three.

It was a particularly impressive performance for the newly promoted club, taking down a Burras team that would consider itself a finals contender after finishing sixth last year.

Lachlan Read was St Mary’s best in defeat, while Tane Cotter, Will Dean and Jeremiah Antypas were also strong.

South Morang will face another stiff test when they travel to Thomastown.

The Bears will be fresh after playing on Good Friday, thumping Epping by 73 points.

The Lions will have big men Nathan Stefanile, Liam Jolly and Aaron Lazaric available for selection but Lazaric is under an injury cloud after dealing with sciatica during pre-season.

The club hopes new co-captain and last season’s grand final medallist Jake Potter will also be available after missing Round 1 due to work commitments.

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Hall is looking forward to testing his team against another quality side.

“St Mary’s were around the mark last year and we’ll have to step up again (against Thomastown) but we’re looking forward to the challenge,” he said.

St Mary’s facing the daunting task of hosting premiership favourites Eltham in Round 2 at Whatmough Park.

Elsewhere in Division 2, Watsonia claimed a thumping 60-point win over Lower Plenty and Diamond Creek came away with a 30-point triumph against Northcote Park.