Michael Hansen booted seven goals in his league debut to lead Pinjarra to an enthralling win on the road over Centrals in round one of the Peel Football and Netball League season on Saturday.
The 17-year-old will remember his seniors debut for the rest of his life thanks to his massive haul of goals, a best-on-ground performance and a 12.7 (79) to 20.10 (130) with the reigning premiers, who got their flag defence off to a hot start.
Pinjarra was forced to fight for the victory, however, after starting the game on the back foot as Centrals booted six straight in the opening quarter.
Trailing by 15 at the first break, the Tigers fought hard to level the contest but still went into the half time change with a 13-point deficit on their hands.
Inspired by Hansen and the return of WAFL legend Rory O’Brien to Pinjarra colours, the Tigers came out firing in the second half.
They piled up five goals to Centrals’ one in the third term, taking a 10-point lead into the final break.
With the game hanging in the balance the reigning premiers showed their class, booting nine goals in the fourth to run away with an scintillating win.
Despite losing a handful of forwards over the off-season, Pinjarra had no trouble in the front six with Hansen (seven goals), Brennan Gillam (four) and O’Brien (three) all chipping in on the scoreboard.
The Tigers also took the chance to show off some strong depth, with Harley Guadagnin, David Tawhai and Craig Milward debuting alongside Hansen in the absence of premiership players Jacob Williams, Robert Beswick and Braddon Kazakoff.
Pinjarra coach Troy Vidovich was ecstatic to see the club’s young guns producing against a bona fide league team, and heaped praise on Hansen for his remarkable performance.
“To see Michael kick seven was outstanding. He just has so much natural talent that when it all comes together you’re going to get days like that,” he said.
“But I thought all of our first game players got the job done, and it’s exciting for us to see they’re ready to play at the senior level.
“We had a very young team on the park, so to still be able to grind out a win and respond after a slow start, I’m just rapt for the boys.”
Despite taking the loss, Centrals also received good signs with new recruit Thomas Bennett finding his way into the side’s best, alongside Brett Hill and Grant Dunn.
Centrals will aim to turn things around when they take on South Mandurah, while Pinjarra will be out for another win against Halls Head in round two.
Best
Centrals
B. Hill, T. Gianatti, T. Bennett, G. Dunn, J. Smith, Z. Merritt
Pinjarra
M. Hansen, B. Gillam, R. Bird, J. O''Brien, L. Padwick, S. Martin
Goals
Centrals
G. Dunn 3, T. Gianatti 3, D. Wilson 2, B. Hill, Z. Merritt, M. Thompson, R. Henley
Pinjarra
M. Hansen 7, B. Gillam 4, R. O''Brien 3, L. Padwick 2, J. O''Brien, C. Milward, H. Guadagnin, J. Kearing
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
