Sunraysia football: Wentworth’s Wade Hancock, Irymple’s Nick Pezzaniti, Imperials’ Doug Arnold

A former NEAFL star kicked eight goals – despite nursing an injury – before being part of a crazy finish. SEE THE FULL LIST

Wade Hancock playing for the Southport Sharks in the NEAFL grand final. Picture: Jerad Williams

After each experiencing thrilling finishes during Round 3, Ouyen United and Wentworth again entertained in their match at Underbool in Round 4.

But it wasn’t the only place where there was action, with some big goal kicking hauls around the grounds.

Find out who the top performers were.

Wade Hancock (Wentworth)

His teammates are calling it the perfect “seven-point play”.

But at the time, it didn’t feel like it.

Wentworth playing coach Wade Hancock had eight goals to his name when he lined up for a ninth late in the contest against Ouyen United at Underbool.

The set shot was close range, on an angle, but the former Southport Sharks NEAFL premiership player could only manage a behind.

After the kick-in, the Roos won the ground ball and Jack Cottrell snapped it from 50m, sailing through for a goal.

The visitors won by a point.

Despite the late miss, Hancock’s eight goals was an impressive haul, especially as he was only playing up forward due to a hamstring concern.

Hancock said his partially torn hamstring meant he didn’t leave the forward 50 all game.

“Everyone has their day now and then,” Hancock said of the bag.

Injury-wise, Hancock was hoping to get through next week’s match against Merbein before the interleague break and the Roos’ Round 6 bye.

After a being on the losing end of a thriller last week against Mildura, the Roos will take confidence from their win over the Kangas, who lined up with former AFL players Mark Jamar and Dallas Willsmore.

It was their second win of the season from four starts.

Hancock said the way the team was finishing games – against the Kangas they trailed by 23 points at half time and 13 at three quarter time – was “exciting”.

“It gives us belief now we can play that football and under pressure,” Hancock said.

“It’s a young group and wins like that give you confidence.”

Nick Pezzaniti (Irymple)

Irymple burst out of the blocks against Red Cliffs with six first-quarter goals and ultimately secured a 72-point win.

Forward Nick Pezzaniti was again a standout for the Swallows, booting seven goals.

Irymple co-coach Dan Coghlan said his side’s midfield did a good job of delivering the ball forward, which Pezzaniti capitalised on.

“He’s one that obviously worked pretty hard in the pre-season and has done the right things and (the goals were) a bit of a reward,” Coghlan said.

The strong showing against the Tigers improved the reigning premiers’ record to 2-1.

“I think the key was starting well and not giving Red Cliffs a chance early, and I think the boys did it well,” Coghlan said.

Doug Arnold (Imperials)

Imperials were forced to win the hard way by Robinvale Euston, with the Eagles rallying late with the breeze in their clash at Euston.

But Imps kept their undefeated record in tact, winning by eight points, while another of their 2021 additions may have announced themselves to the league.

Doug Arnold, a Yarrawonga product who most recently played in Melbourne while studying at university, is now pulling on the green and white after moving to Mildura for work.

Imps co-coach Brad Hards said Arnold had about 40 possessions against Robinvale Euston and was definitely the side’s standout.

“He’s an inside mid type player, he got his hands on it plenty of times,” Hards said.

“The first couple of games he’s definitely played well, but it looked like he really found his feet.”

Alex Douglas, Colby Hards and Reece McNally also impressed for the victors.

Tyler Curtis (South Mildura)

South Mildura made it three on the trot with their win over Mildura at the Brian Weightman Oval.

Ruckman Tyler Curtis, who had already started the season well, was again impressive in the 23-point win against the Demons.

Bulldogs co-coach Ben Dalton said Curtis was an “absolute workhorse” and also an attacking weapon who can spend time up forward.

“He’s a big man who can play as a small big once the ball hits the ground,” Dalton said.

“He gives first use to our on-ballers and around the ground he’s getting his hands on the football.”

The Bulldogs also had a pair of 17-year-old players impress, with Taj Stevens and Mason Fitzgerald helping get the side going after what was a one-point contest at half time.

“It was good to get a win against a team in a relatively similar position to us,” Dalton said.

“It was one of those ones that was a must-win … they’re the games we have to win if we’re going to be competitive this year.”

Nick Cottrell (Wentworth)

While there was plenty going on in the Wentworth forward line, down back it was Nick Cottrell showing what he can do.

Cottrell has returned to the district from Adelaide and, according to coach Hancock, “takes a hanger every week”.

“He’s come back and he’s just that rock in our defence,” Hancock said.

“He’s an elite reader of the ball and he’s a terrific athlete.”

Nick Jensen performed well in the ruck against Jamar, while Jack Carter and Kaine Behr were also in the best.

Ash Kempton (Irymple)

In the Swallows’ midfield, Ash Kempton’s efforts led to him being named the side’s best against Red Cliffs.

“He just got the ball going forward, won a lot around the stoppages, did that hard onballer stuff to definitely get us that momentum,” Coghlan said of Kempton.

Coghlan said it was a hard day to pick the best, with everyone doing their job well.

Ricardo Liparota (Robinvale Euston)

Robinvale Euston have plenty of young talent and another rising star may have emerged against Imperials.

Ricardo Liparota finished with five goals in just his fourth senior game.

Liparota kicked 29 goals from 15 starts for the Eagles in the under 18s competition in 2019.

Anthony Matthews (Mildura)

Mildura co-coach Anthony Matthews was another to boot five goals.

The tall forward brought his season tally to nine majors with the effort.

Hancock, Pezzaniti and South Mildura’s Matthew Min are the league’s top goal kickers with 12 each.

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