Outer East league: Recruits run rampant in Powelltown win over Yarra Junction

Powelltown’s recruits were dynamic in a first-up win in Outer East league’s Division 1, while Pakenham, Seville and Warburton Millgrove also made slick starts.

Best-on-ground Josh Cowan, Jeff Cole and playing-coach Ryan Handley after Powelltown’s win over Yarra Junction on Saturday. Picture: Facebook

Powelltown had almost more players inside the circle than outside as it sung the song after its first-up win on Saturday.

Fuelled by more than 10 recruits, Powelly sped clear to beat Yarra Junction by 32 points, 15.15 (105) to 11.7 (73), in an impressive start to the OEFN Division 1 season following a rugged 2024 in which they had only two wins and almost folded.

“The inner circle was nearly bigger than the outer circle,” new Powelltown playing-coach Ryan Handley said.

“There were upwards of 10 (debutants).”

Of the newcomers, former Old Mentonians midfielder Tristan Strange was in everything.

“He was really combative, in and under, he put himself in the firing line,” Handley said.

“He was one of our best.”

St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers recruit Josh Cowan capped a best-on-ground display with five goals from the midfield, his piercing left boot telling.

“He was amazing,” Handley said.

“A class above and just deadly. He was deadly around stoppage and as soon as he had a bit of time and space that left shoe just talks another language. He was instrumental.”

Powelltown began full of energy and led by six points at quarter time before surging to a 27-point lead at halftime.

Dean Roy fired off four goals. Picture: Facebook

Powelly outscored Yarra Junction seven goals to six in the second half.

Another highlight for Powelltown was explosive forward Dean Roy, who slotted four goals and provided a terrific focal point up forward.

“He was so dangerous,’’ Handley said.

“It was great reward for a big pre season, he just looks like he’s going to be a really dangerous commodity for us.”

Handley also praised the wholehearted performance of fullback Dave Wallace.

“He battled manfully and wilfully and allowed others to do their thing,’’ he said.

“How combative he was...it was inspiring for the team.”

Powelly and Yarra Junction played for the Jeff Cole Memorial Shield.

Yarra Junction playing-coach Leigh Mccombe kicked five of his side’s 11 goals and captain Cooper Holmes was named best.

“Yarra Junction are a really good outfit,” Handley said.

“They’ve got some really good players, they’re young and they’re fit. I think they’re going to surprise a few sides.”

Powelltown faces Pakenham next in what Handley describes as “a really big test” for his new-look side.

“We want to test ourselves against the best,” he said.

Many of Powelltown’s recruits live in Melbourne and they car pooled on Saturday.

“The boys loved the experience — the regional taste, the footy’s a bit different, the umpiring’s a bit different,” Handley said.

“They are loving everything that playing in this competition has to offer.”

The win was even more special for Powelltown following the death of 1989 premiership coach Trevor Barker, a much loved and respected Powelly man.

“We touched on it before the game,” Handley said.

“You see people walking around with hundred year celebration polos on, you realise how proud and long a history this club has.”

Josh Haggar celebrates one of his three goals for Pakenham. Picture: Euan Poulton

Meanwhile, Pakenham has quickly made an impact in Division 1, scoring a come-from-behind 27-point win over Yea, 12.13 (85) to 9.4 (58). The Lions, under new coach Justin Stanton, trailed by 11 points at quarter-time but kicked six goals to two in the second half, with Bailey Stiles and Josh Haggar slotting three goals apiece. Tanner Stanton, Luke Ryan, Oscar Jones and D’Angelo Taito were also in the best.

Ryan Farrow booted four goals and gun recruit Cooper Colee was among the best as Seville put the whip to Yarra Glen, winning 16.18 (114) to 4.12 (36). Blues skipper Jack Nolan also kicked three goals and was named best, while Mason O’Neill and Tristen Oneill impressed.

Warburton Millgrove was too good for Belgrave, 14.20 (104) to 8.10 (58). Shawn Andueza was brilliant for the Burras, who counted Nelson Aldridge, Thomas Baker, Jack Farrugia, Tyson Henry and Patrick Huynh among their best.