Country footy wrap: Dane Swan stars for Creswick, goals galore

A Brownlow medallist impressed in a cameo appearance near Ballarat, while another club recorded one of the biggest wins across the state this season.

Brownlow medallist Dane Swan impressed in his cameo appearance for Creswick. Picture:Wayne Ludbey

Creswick couldn’t be happier with Dane Swan’s appearance for the club, despite coming out on the wrong side of the result.

The Brownlow medallist booted three goals and was named in the better players as his side went down to Skipton by 61 points in the Central Highlands Football League.

Swan started the day on a halfback flank before moving into a more familiar midfield position.

But in the second half he was able to provide his teammates with a target inside forward 50.

Creswick president Phil Judd said the day was a massive boost after a tough 2020.

“We had about 1500 people through the gate which is a terrific result,” he said.

“Dane was fantastic throughout the day and so was Ricky Nixon who came along with him. They were approachable and were happy to take photos and have a chat to anyone.

“It wasn’t just a great day for our club but the competition as a whole.”

Swan’s appearance in the competition came just a couple of weeks after Dale Thomas pulled on the boots for Ballan, having a similar impact.

Nixon and Swan held a sportsmen’s night after the game which Judd described as “fantastic”.

Creswick will now look to bounce back against Bungaree next weekend.

One of the biggest wins of the season

Tatyoon showcased the difference between the teams at the top and bottom of the ladder in the Minniera and District League with a 317-point thumping.

The Hawks were in devastating form kicking 13 goals in both the first and third terms.

Ben Clay led the way with 13 goals to take his season tally to 31 as Will Henderson (six), Ryan Bates (five) and Steven Butler (five) also made major contributions.

Big Cohuna win

Cohuna Kangas put in a dominant showing against Tooleybuc Manangatang, registering a 218-point win.

It was the biggest margin of victory in the Central Murray league so far this season.

The Kangas piled on 36.15 while keeping the Saints scoreless in both the first and third quarters while ending up with 2.1 for the match.

Dylan Johnstone booted eight goals while Rhys Free had seven.

It‘s been tough going in 2021 for Tooleybuc Manangatang, who are still searching for their first win with a percentage of just over 20.

Cohuna have moved to 5-1 and sit in third spot behind the undefeated Woorinen and Kerang, who hold a superior percentage.

Monster bags in the Horsham and District League

Nathan Koenig has been in impressive form for Natimuk United this season and it all came together in the 93-point win over Edenhope Apsley.

He booted 12 goals to take his season tally to 26 to go alongside two bags of six from earlier in the year as teammate Nicholas Groves kicked five of his own.

Jeparit Rainbow’s Ben Warren was also a nightmare for defenders as he kicked 11 majors in his side’s 75-point win over Kaniva Leeoor United in his return from injury.

Bulls’ North Central stampede

Many teams strive to have a good balance of scoring options, but not many push that notion to the extent North Central club Birchip Watchem did at the weekend.

Against visitors Wycheproof Narraport, the Bulls delighted the home crowd as two-thirds of their team sheet kicked goals.

The most any individual player kicked was three, and four players hit that mark – Daniel Castellano, Will Sheahan, Daniel Ratcliffe and Lachlan Foott.

From there the contributors kept coming, all the way down to the 14th name on the 21-man side.

Oddly enough, the Bulls‘ best on ground William Lowe was not among the goal kickers.

They were comfortable winners, 25.12 (162) to 3.7 (25).

A huge Alvie haul

Alvie’s Dominic Dare rocketed to the top of the Colac and District League goal kicking charts on Saturday with 11 goals in a 147-point thumping of the Western Eagles.

Dare now has 36 goals for the season and his double figure haul followed six against South Colac a week earlier.

Mitchell Williamson also enjoyed his first senior game for the Swans this season with six goals.

Nirranda forward takes his chances

Heading into the weekend’s game, Nirranda’s Jack Spokes only had five goals to his name for the year and he is his side’s leading goal kicker.

Spokes was a strong presence inside forward 50 as his side ran out 226-point winners against Dennington.

Nirranda are unbeaten to sit at the top of the Warrnambool and District ladder after seven rounds with a whopping percentage of 286.87.

Double figures for a second time

Merrigum recorded the second biggest win of the Kyabram District League season as Josh Smith reached double figures for the second time this season.

After booting 12 goals against the Shane Crawford coached Ardmona, Smith filled his boots again on Saturday kicking 10 as the Bulldogs got the better of Longwood by 221 points.

Originally published as Country footy wrap: Dane Swan stars for Creswick, goals galore