Nyora take learning experience on board

NYORA endured a hard slog against premiership favourites Longwarry, which came away with a 142-point win over the embattled Saints.

The boys knew this was going to be a tough game and changed the narrative into a learning experience.

Players were tried out in different positions and proved to withstand the pressures well.

Coach Daryl Swinburne matched the boys up against some of Longwarry’s stronger players to get a fresh perspective on improving their game and was pleased with the result regardless of the scoreboard. 

Playing at the Longwarry Recreation Reserve, the conditions were hot, but the ground was in perfect nick for footy with not a breath of wind.

Nyora was still working out its matchups in the first quarter, which saw Longwarry kick away to an early lead.

In the second quarter, Longwarry continued to power through and put eight goals on the board.

Braydon McHugh put the most pressure on the Nyora side, kicking 10 goals for the day.

Nyora managed to slow Longwarry in the third quarter and get two of its own goals on the scoreboard.

Callum McNiff – Nyora’s usual centre-half-forward – tried his hand at centre-halfback and performed well against Longwarry’s formidable Jedd Serong.

Tyler Hotckin was moved from the midfield into the back pocket, providing some speed in the backline.

Tyler Kirkbride also stood up in the back pocket and was an asset.

Captain Dylan Heylen led by example and was a handy presence in the midfield and up forward.

Longwarry ran away with it in the end, but Nyora took plenty out of the game and is hopeful the experience will lead to an improved season ahead.

In the meantime, Nyora is gearing up for another demanding match against Lang Lang at home.

Lang Lang is another strong premiership contender, but Nyora is hopeful it will see better matchups in the backline.

Swinburne congratulated his team on a great effort against an exceptional side.