A dominant start and an even more dominant finish led Pinjarra to a massive win over a struggling Waroona outfit in their annual Mental Health Game at Sir Ross McLarty Oval on Saturday afternoon.
On a day where the two clubs came together to promote mental well-being it was the Tigers shining the brightest on the field, with Lloyd Padwick taking the game ball as the match’s best on ground in a thumping 26.16 (172) to 6.2 (38) win.
Padwick was a deserving winner of the best afield honours after a stellar day out, but the umpires could have thrown a blanket over Pinjarra’s entire 22 with everyone playing their part to make it five straight wins.
Waroona had the first centre clearance of the day but it didn’t take long for the Tigers to assume total control, as they ruled the time in forward half differential booting the first seven goals of the day.
Joel O’Driscoll nailed the opener after Brennan Gillam hit him on the chest in the forward 50m arch, and Rory O’Brien’s midfield dominance helped Pinjarra pile up the majors.
The former WAFL star booted one himself in the run while Mitch Brown, Dom Hardy, Callan Eddy, Robert Bird and Padwick followed suit.
Waroona’s Zac Moody found plenty of footy in the back half early in the game but seemed to be fighting a war on his own, as the Tigers took a commanding 42-point lead into the first break.
Things didn’t get any easier for the Demons in the second term, as Pinjarra put another five goals on the board to Waroona’s one.
Brock O’Brien got into the game across the Tigers’ half back line and also found a goal converting on the run, while Pinjarra’s work rate spreading from the contest saw them take a 68-point buffer into the long break.
But despite another dour day, the Demons will take heart from their four-goal third term.
Their clearance work was surprisingly strong for most of the day, and some hard work from Mitchell Dawson allowed him to open the second half with a goal, while teammates Kyren Gavin, Mat Thomas and Rowan Gardiner all hit the scoreboard.
But for all their effort Waroona couldn’t stop Pinjarra from scoring, as the Tigers increased their advantage to 71 points at the final break.
From there it was all black and gold, as Mitch Brown owned the final 25 minutes with four of his five goals coming late.
Rohan Kerr produced the highlight of the quarter with a snap around the body going straight through the big sticks while Padwick booted his third and fourth goals in the final term.
The win gives the Tigers the chance to take top spot from Baldivis, who will face a tough test in Centrals’ on Sunday.
Should the Brumbies fall Pinjarra will move two premiership points clear of them.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
