The Pinjarra Tigers bagged their third straight win when they stormed to a triple-figure victory over Mandurah Mustangs on Sunday afternoon.
Usual midfielder Rohan Kerr starred with a five-goal haul for the Tigers as they romped their way to a 5.9 (39) to 21.15 (141) win.
Pinjarra got the early jump on the Mustangs and went forward a number of times for a four-goal to none first term.
Mandurah’s defenders did well to keep the margin within just four goals, with Tigers forward Mitch Brown looking dangerous in the air and Kerr hitting the scoreboard early.
But Pinjarra’s fortunes were epitomised early in the second quarter when an errant football plonked off the head of a Tigers on-baller for a perfect falcon, only to land in the hands of teammate Mitch Green who slotted the open goal.
The tough luck mixed with a gut-running Pinjarra outfit made for a nightmare first half for the Mustangs, who found themselves trailing by 49 points at the main break.
Things only got worse for Mandurah in the second half, as Pinjarra kicked into overdrive to finish the contest.
Mackenzie O’Brien and Todd Ninyette sparked a number of goals for the Tigers, while Kerr’s productivity up forward saw him bag five.
Pinjarra coach Troy Vidovich lauded Kerr for his form in front of the sticks.
“He’s always wanting to go up forward so it was nice to see him finish with a bag,” he said.
“Rohan’s a high-level footballer and we know what he’s capable of. We’re really happy with the way he’s leading some of our younger guys as well.”
Kerr was one of five Tigers to finish the day with multiple goals, joining Green, Riese Wilkey, Jeffrey Carter (three) and Ninyette (two) along with a further five that bagged a goal apiece.
Tyson Hodge nailed three of Mandurah’s five goals, while Hamish Free was productive around the ground.
The victory was Pinjarra’s third straight, following wins over Centrals and Waroona.
Vidovich attributed his side’s strong form to an even spread of contributions across his 22.
“Picking best players has been bloody tough lately, which is obviously a really good problem to have,” he said.
“We’re really happy with how the boys are tracking and we haven’t had any passengers in recent weeks.
“Everyone is doing their role and helping us win games, which is all we as coaches can ask for.”
Pinjarra will look to make it four in a row when they take on Halls Head next weekend.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
