SFNL: Triumphant debut for Narre Warren after 25-point win over rivals Cranbourne

Narre Warren arrived in the Southern league with a bang. Coach Steve Kidd gives us an insight into guiding his players into the unknown.

Narre Warren coach Steven Kidd. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Apprehension quickly became elation for Narre Warren as the Magpies long-awaited Southern league debut was a successful one.

Narre Warren downed arch rivals and fellow Outer East defectors Cranbourne by 25 points under lights at Kalora Park on Saturday to kick off 2025 on a winning note.

The sides hadn’t met since 2021, when Cranbourne prevailed by three points in the Outer East competition.

“The playing group in general was feeling a tiny bit apprehensive, I could feel it in the rooms before the game and I was feeling it myself,” Narre Warren coach Steve Kidd said of the lead up to the clash.

“Just not knowing what to expect, big crowd there, there was a bit on the line, definitely an air of apprehension.

“To come out the way we did and especially the way we started was really good, we probably should’ve been a little bit further in front at quarter time but we started really well with a lot of energy so that was good.”

Peter Gentile was a class above for Narre Warren in round one. Picture: Valeriu Campan.

The Magpies kicked away to a 17-point quarter-time lead, and kept Cranbourne at arms length for the remainder of the clash.

“When it looked like we were going to kick away they’d get one or two back and then we’d kick a couple, it was a holding pattern for most of the game,” Kidd said.

“At the start of the second quarter they had a really good go at us there and then we steadied going into half-time. The second half, not much changed.

Kidd added that the midfield battle was crucial.

Will Howe slotted three majors for the Magpies. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“Our clearance and contested work was really good and that was probably the difference in the end,” he said.

Peter Gentile enjoyed a dominant start to the season in the middle of the ground for Narre Warren, as did Kurt Mutimer, while Josh West was also strong across half back.

Will Howe, Jett Kearney and Hamish West all snagged three goals up forward while Jake Richardson enjoyed a good game and slotted one in his return to footy after a year away.

Kidd noted that it was “nice” to renew hostilities with Cranbourne after the club’s had spent three seasons playing in different leagues.

“There was quite a few people there, the atmosphere was great, it was great to see a few familiar faces around,” Kidd said.

“It wasn’t quite as rough as what it was in the old days but there was still some feeling there as well.”