A four-quarter effort and a complete team contribution left South Mandurah coach Daniel Haines thrilled with his side’s victory over a top-four Waroona Demons outfit on Sunday afternoon.
The Falcons made an early impression despite going against the breeze, and strung together four quarters of impressive footy to claim a 13.14 (92) to 4.9 (33) win.
Haines said it was his side’s most complete performance on the season.
“We were happy – really happy, actually – with how our guys performed across the course of the game,” he said.
“It’s the most even performance we’ve had throughout the season. It was our best game yet.”
South Mandurah opened the game battling the weather and a Waroona outfit that came to play, despite missing star forward Kepler Bradley.
But persistent play around the ground allowed Keegan Power and Stephen Snowdon to boot majors for the Falcons, leading them to an eight-point advantage at the first change.
Waroona continued to fight, but South Mandurah remained in control in the second quarter, opening the game up and piling two more goals onto the scoreboard pressure by the long break.
Trailing by 21 at half time, the Demons came out a renewed looking team in the third quarter, piling on three goals with a refreshed offence.
But unfortunately they still leaked four to the Falcons, who were able to stretch their lead to 26 points at the final change.
It was all Souths in the final term, as the blue and gold unit booted five goals to none to cruise to the 59-point victory.
Haines heaped praise on his playing group, saying there were no passengers in the game.
“We had some standout games from a few individuals, but overall it was just good to see the team click as a unit of 22 and everyone contributed,” he said.
“Andrew Haydon’s first half was particularly good, but it was encouraging that when he went down in the third quarter for a bit we got some really good production from some of our younger blokes who stepped up.”
The Falcons have now won five straight matches and moved into second on the ladder, with a tantalising clash against reigning premier Baldivis looming in round eight.
“I think we’ve been able to get a good core group of players on the park for a few straight weeks now, which is supported by our young blokes coming through playing good footy,” Haines said.
“We’ll need to bring our best against Baldivis again this weekend to come away with a win.”