The Pinjarra Tigers kept their unbeaten run to start the 2017 season alive when they took down a tough Rockingham Rams outfit in front of a home crowd on Saturday.
The Tigers missed a number of opportunities early in the game but steadied late to come away with a 13.15 (93) to 10.9 (69) victory in what coach Troy Vidovich described as one of the quickest games he’s coached in.
“Rockingham were impressive – they have some really good young kids who made it a really quick game fairly early,” he said.
“We didn’t capitalise on some of our chances in the first half but I was pleased with how our boys steadied and controlled the game.
“I think our experience probably got us over the line in the end.”
Pinjarra had the momentum early with six more scoring shots than the Rams in the first quarter, but went into the first change just six points ahead.
The Tigers were able to convert more in the second and stretch their lead to 21 points at half time on the back of a five-goal term.
Rockingham stormed home with their own five-goal quarter in the fourth, but a goalless third saw the Rams fall short.
Rams coach Scott Franklin was pleased with his side’s intensity, and said it was another step forward in their development.
“I think our effort, pressure and intensity were all pretty good around the contest,” he said.
“Pinjarra are a really good side and we’re hoping to develop the group we have now so we can be where they are at in three or four years.”
Vidovich’s squad is now three and zip to start the year and have shaped as one of the main premiership fancies early with wins over Waroona, Halls Head and now the Rams.
The second-year coach said early wins were a key emphasis for the Tigers this season.
“I’m real happy with how we’ve started off,” he said.
“Having those early wins on the board sets you up for the season ahead so we knew they would be crucial coming in.”
Next up, the Tigers take on a South Mandurah outfit keen to keep the ball rolling after their first win of the year.
Vidovich said it would be another test for his aspiring side.
“It’s always tough to beat South Mandurah at South Mandurah, no matter who they have in or out,” he said.
“We’ll need four quarters of good footy if we want our fourth win.”