South Mandurah spearhead Brad Holmes bagged six goals to help his side break their duck and claim their first win of the 2019 season as they took down Halls Head at Falcon Oval on Sunday afternoon.
The star forward shone while midfielder Jack Shanahan continued his outstanding start to the season, buoying the Falcons to an 11.10 (76) to 5.11 (41) over their next door neighbours.
The home side started sluggishly with just the one goal on the board at quarter time, but they made their mark on the second quarter breaking away with a game-defying run.
A better midfield-to-forward connection sparked a five-goal to two quarter in favour of Souths, which Holmes got started before brother Michael booted two important goals to set up a 23-point buffer at half time.
Halls Head looked to push back into the game in the third term with the likes of Cam Gavin and Bailey Hall working hard, but the Falcons were able to stretch their lead with Brad Holmes nailing all three of their goals for the quarter while the Lightning could only muster one.
The game was on ice with South Mandurah nursing a six-goal advantage at the final break, before running it out for a 35-point victory.
Shanahan was again important for the Falcons earning their best afield votes while Devin Mcfarlane was among their top performers in his debut match.
The victory comes just a week after South Mandurah suffered a gut-wrenching, one-goal loss to ladder leaders Pinjarra in what was nearly the upset of the season.
Falcons coach Paul Pannell said the game was a turning point for his side, giving them momentum to carry on into the Halls Head clash.
"Honestly, that loss [against Pinjarra] was as good as a win," he said.
"We were gutted we didn't come away with it, but to feel the buoyancy and the confidence in the rooms after that was pretty special.
"Obviously momentum isn't everything and you've still got to get the job done, but that performance was exactly what our group needed to carry some form into this game."
Pannell said the side's first win was a crucial step forward for their young group.
"To see them get the rewards for their hard work and to see the boys playing a really good, winning brand of footy is really encouraging," he said.
"The key to any success at the local level is having a solid foundation of local guys and that's what we're trying to build bringing these young guys through.
"Those younger players were really excited afterwards and the club's over the moon, so now we just look to take that all into next week."
The Falcons will come up against Waroona at Parnell Street Oval this coming weekend, who will be honouring their 2009 premiership side with a 10-year reunion.
It will be a mixed day for Pannell, who coached that Demons side to the flag.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
