Magpies overpowered by Nar Nar Goon

WITH six players out of the lineup, Dalyston knew Saturday’s match was going to be a tough slog, but Nar Nar Goon showed it is in a league of its own.

Playing at Nar Nar Goon, the reigning premiers unfurled the 2024 flag before heading out onto the ground to demonstrate why it is once again the flag favourite.

Nar Nar Goon sent Dalyston home with a devastating 178-point loss to contemplate. 

Round one of the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition gave a good indication that last season’s battlers are certainly improving, but Nar Nar Goon has stepped it up to another level, looking more like a VFL side. 

Nar Nar Goon recruited exceptionally well during the preseason and will be a force in the league. 

It wasn’t all doom and gloom for Dalyston though, as it was thrilled to welcome back former player Brad Monson in a one-off game.

Monson was visiting from interstate and put his hand up to help the club with so many players out.

He proved to be an asset on the halfback flank.

Conditions were hot, but the ground was in immaculate condition for the Senior contest.

The siren started the game, and Nar Nar Goon was on, kicking five goals to Dalyston’s one.

Nar Nar Goon looked slick and Dalyston’s backline was under constant pressure.

Ben Lewis did what he could to slow Nar Nar Goon’s attack, standing tall throughout the entirety of the game.

He was assisted by Joe Alexander in the back pocket, who played with class under Nar Nar Goon’s onslaught. 

By the second quarter, Nar Nar Goon had well and truly warmed up and was ready to leave Dalyston in its dust.

Nar Nar Goon piled nine more goals on, led by top goalkicker Dermott Yawney, who kicked seven for the game.

Dalyston continued to fight and added one more goal of its own before the halftime break.

The second half looked much the same, with Nar Nar Goon continuing to hit its targets with precision.

For Dalyston, Sarin Barnard was listed as one of the best players.

Barnard has come over to Dalyston from Mirboo North and played his first game in black and white on Saturday.

He played a tagging role on one of Nar Nar Goon’s top players and limited his opportunities to get his hands on the ball in an exceptional performance. 

Onballers Brad Tilley and Kyle Hutchinson also held their own against the overwhelming odds.

Nar Nar Goon polished off the game with nine more goals, while Dalyston kicked five for the game.

The Magpies are looking to turn their luck around as they prepare to play Korumburra-Bena in the Anzac Day round. 

Dalyston and Korumburra-Bena have developed a healthy local rivalry which, combined with the spirit of the Anzac Day round, promises to attract a great crowd to the Korumburra Showgrounds on April 26.

Dalyston is hopeful it can get a win on the board, especially with a few more of its players expected to return to the lineup. 

However, the Magpies will not be underestimating the Giants, which have shown improvement already this season and are looking forward to a close clash.