Southern league Division 3: Narre South Saints defeat Doveton Eagles

Narre South Saints coach Scott Mackenzie made a point of speaking to the battling Doveton Eagles after Saturday’s match.

The Saints are a happy bunch after their big win. Pic: Narre South Saints.

His team had just won by 180 points.

But after the final siren at Strathaird Reserve on Saturday, Narre South Saints coach Scott Mackenzie went on to the ground and addressed the Doveton Eagles rather than his own side.

Mackenzie told the Eagles, rebuilding after an exodus of players, that he appreciated their efforts, and encouraged them to stick together.

“They were good enough to let me chat to them after the game, before they got off the ground,’’ Mackenzie was saying on Monday.

“Look, rebuilding a club is extremely hard, and I just made them aware that we’re certainly not looking at them with – how can I put it? – anything other than admiration for the fact that they field two teams.

“Forget about the scores on the board. The fact that they turn up and get around each other like they do … you’ve got to admire that.

“I’ve been there myself, building a club that was in a similar position, and it’s tough. Hats off to them. They’re doing a good job.

Best-afield Jayden O’Brien on his way to nine goals. Pic: Narre South Saints

“I think someone has to tell them that we’re not looking at them like they’re a garbage club. They need to know there are people out thinking, ‘Hey, good effort for making it happen’.

Mackenzie added: “You’ve got to get around these clubs that are going through some struggles at the moment. If you don’t, before you know it we won’t have any clubs left and it will be a pretty poor sight when we’re running two divisions instead of four.’’

The Saints had 10 senior players out, and Mackenzie made some positional changes to cover the absentees.

One was to play Jayden O’Brien as a deep forward and the left-footer responded with nine goals.

“He’s been playing up higher and we thought we’d roll him back as a deep forward and see how he goes,’’ Mackenzie said.

“Yeah, he went well. He deserves another go at it next week.’’

Big “Buzz’’ Nolan kicked seven goals, giving him 15 for the season, and Riley McLean slotted four in the 31.24 (210) to 4.6 (30) victory.

Nathan May gives it a hoof for the Saints. Pic: Narre South Saints

The Saints had three players carrying high numbers: Tim Gavenlock (91), Jayden Campbell (93) and John King (No 94).

Campbell, used in the midfield, was named best in his first senior game of the year.

Skilled flanker Blake Rogers and acting captain Shane “Shaggers’’ Woolley weren’t far behind him.

Despite the long injury list, the Saints still had 22 players for their Thirds team.

The Saints are in their first year in the Southern league, having crossed from the VAFA as the 2019 premier in Division 4, and Mackenzie said the club was pleased with its progress in Division 3.

It is 3-2, its losses coming against unbeaten ladder leader Black Rock and to second-placed shwood by four points.

For the Eagles, their 22-year-oold senior coach Josh Johns was named best, trailed by David Bonacci, Alex Baker and Matt Carter.