Panthers outclassed by dominant Nar Nar Goon outfit

KILCUNDA BASS took on this season’s juggernaut Nar Nar Goon on Saturday.

Nar Nar Goon’s average winning margin has been around 78 points, which Kilcunda-Bass hoped to keep it to this week.

Unfortunately, the match resulted in an 86-point deficit for Kilcunda Bass, but the Panthers took on plenty of learnings from the game.

Playing on Nar Nar Goon’s large ground in beautiful conditions, the Panthers went toe-to-toe with Nar Nar Goon early.

The Panthers were happy with how the game was rolling with some great intercept marks in the back half, but a couple of late goals to Nar Nar Goon around the 20-minute mark made for a disappointing scoreline at quarter-time.

Reflecting on the fact that the scoreline was not indicative of performance propelled the Panthers into the second quarter.

However, the challenges continued as ruckman Callan Brinkmann copped a knock that saw him removed from the game due to concussion precautions.

The Panthers were down two bench rotations and Dale Gawley – recently back from injury – played in the ruck for the rest of the game, holding his own.

The Panthers played their best footy in the third quarter.

Whilst they only kicked 1.2, Nar Nar Goon was held to 3.1 as the back line performed brilliantly against the top side.

Lochlan Scott is making a name for himself as he takes on the big key forwards week after week.

This week was no exception, as he held Dermott Yawney to three goals for the game.

Daniel Mock and Sam Watson were also instrumental in the back half, and young Lleyton Cartmel played his best game of the year.

Nar Nar Goon’s goal-kicking efforts were shared between 12 goalkickers, indicative of the way the Panthers’ back line forced the top side to consider other options in front of the big sticks.

However, fitness took a toll in the fourth quarter, and Nar Nar Goon was able to extend its margin for a comfortable win.

Next week, Kilcunda Bass will be facing Korumburra-Bena.

The Giants are coming off back-to-back wins, so Kilcunda Bass is expecting a tight contest.

 Despite getting the jump on the Giants and winning by 96 points in round one, the Panthers are anticipating another challenging match and will be preparing for it like it’s a final.