‘Giant’ start to 2023

OFF the back of what was a disappointing season in 2022, the Korumburra-Bena Giants marched into the Bunyip Recreation Reserve determined to prove they were down but they’re in no means out, and that’s exactly what they did. 

The Bulldogs didn’t have their best year either in 2022, but after pushing finals contention in recent years, and playing at home, they opened as clear favourites against a Giants side that was full of young locals, and coached by Paul Fermanis, their beloved full forward making his senior coaching debut. 

Fermanis’ young group started fast and attacked hard, hitting the lead early and midway through the first term had extended the margin to three straight kicks. 

Young star Jay Walker was in everything for Korumburra-Bena, and he kept generating opportunities for their forwards to score in the opening period. 

Although, Bunyip rallied late in the quarter to draw within eight points at quarter time.

Throughout the second and third quarters, Bunyip’s taller marking players started to really cause havoc for the Korumburra-Bena defence. 

However, the Giants showed great resolve and maturity beyond the years of their inexperienced side, courageously holding their single digit lead at the first three breaks. 

After the dogfight that was the middle two quarters, where both sides scored just a single goal each quarter the match was up for grabs at the final change with the visitors seven points ahead. 

Those who made their way to Bunyip were in for a grandstand finish once again between these two sides, as the hosts gained a slight wind advantage going into the final term. 

The boys in orange were pumped to make an early statement and they did, kicking the first goal of the final quarter and with goals few and far between looked like they had the game at that point.

However, the hosts weren’t going to give in that easily and a late major put them within five points of the lead as nerves set in around the ground. 

But once again, to Korumburra Bena’s credit they did not panic and showed outstanding composure and maturity. 

New cult hero Tane “Dozer” Derrick was in everything in the final stages willing his team on.

But it was their new coach Fermanis leading from the front, taking a telling mark in the last minute and sending the ball forward and into the hands of young gun Joel Cuman.

Cuman put the icing on the cake after the siren, sealing a magnificent win for the Giants, who showed some true character on Saturday afternoon with a momentum building 11-point win. 

They’ve equalled their win tally from last year in just one game and proved some doubters wrong along the way, their next test will come this Saturday at home against Cora Lynn.