Bruthen delivered a commanding performance by storming to a 97-point victory against Buchan in round three of the Omeo and District Football Netball League during a one-sided senior match at the Bruthen Recreation Reserve last Saturday.
It reaffirmed the Bulldogs’ early premiership favouritism, while it wasn’t all doom and gloom for the Cavemen who slipped out of the top four as they went into clash far from at full strength.
Injury and unavailability saw four of the key components from the previous week’s upset victory over last year’s premier, Omeo Benambra, not suit up this week.
From the opening bounce Bruthen showcased its firepower and team cohesion, piling on scoreboard pressure with a relentless forward entries, opening up a handy 11- point break at the first change in a quarter that
saw the Bulldogs challenged for the first time for the season by the youth and enthusiasm of Buchan.
But the Cavemen were unable to maintain the pressure, the Bulldogs going to another level kicking 14 goals to two in a final
three quarters.
The competition’s leading goal kicker, Jirra Moffat, was again prominent kicking
six, taking his season total to 22 after just
three matches.
He was well-supported by hard-running midfielders Jan Cabaybay and the unstoppable Harley Kenner, who chipped in with three each, while Jamie Barton and Caleb Marsh added two apiece to underline Bruthen’s depth up forward.
Cec Matthews returned for the first time since 2023, combining well with brother Will in defence, while Nathan Hayes, Cooper Cameron and Marsh were also prominent in another polished team performance.
James Woodgate, Michael Stevenson, Charlie Moss, Tyson Siddle, Jack Brick and coach Chris Mathers were all serviceable for the Cavemen, the latter taking the field alongside teenage son Noah for the first time.
The Bulldogs will make the trek to the top of mountain, this week to do battle with reigning premier Omeo Benambra, whose form has been patchy in the opening few rounds, while Buchan will need to regroup quickly
for a must-win game against the winless Lindenow South if they are to be a realistic finals contender.
