By Rob Popplestone

Morwell East vs Hill End

Even in a long season some sides can feel the pressure more acutely than others, and there was no doubt that the Hawks were feeling the heat after their shock loss to Thorpdale in the opening round.

The home side fell over the line in a one-goal game over Hill End 12.8 (80) to 11.8 (74).
Paul Henry, Morwell East coach, said "Hill End jumped us early."
"It wasn't until the last ten minutes of the second quarter we found our groove. Our third quarter was our best quarter. Three-goal lead at three quarter time then Hill End kicked three straight in quick succession. Big goal late clinched the win."
A knee injury to Matt Cunnningham in the second quarter certainly help the Hawks' cause, but credit to both clubs in fighting this one to the end.
As important as success was for Morwell East, it was one that got away for the Rovers, who remain on the hunt for their a rare win in recent years.
Hill End coach Adrian Burns was "really happy" with his side's effort.
"It was a pretty physical game, and I'd say there will be some pretty sore bodies this week. I think it was just the last five minutes of each quarter that cost us, but we did show improvement in round one effort and that was pleasing."
Coach Burns has demanded honesty and effort, and the Hillsmen certainly gave that on the weekend. It might be hard to pinpoint where their first win will come from, but every opposition side best be prepared for a fight to claim the points when they take on the Hillsmen.

MDU vs Thorpdale
The Demons were eager to move on from their first round loss to Newborough, but remained wary of a visiting Thorpdale side that came with winning form from the week prior.
Playing in front of a healthy home ground provided the perfect setting for an improved performance, MDU 38-point winners over the Blues 17.11 (113) to 11.9 (75).
Thorpdale coach Daniel Taylor, said the game was "disappointing as we couldn't get the game on our terms all day. We got beaten on the inside and comprehensively beaten on the outside by a fit and fast MDU side in hot conditions."
"We just couldn't go with them on the spread, we couldn't get any pressure on the ball carrier which meant their forwards became a real handful," he said.
By contrast, MDU coach Rhett Kelly was "super proud of how the lads responded" following a poor performance in round one.
"The energy was up early in the first quarter and set us up for what I think was a great four quarter-game. We moved the footy really well and were able to get our hands on the footy at the stoppages, something we couldn't do the week before. Credit to Thorpdale, who really challenged us defensively and caught us out the back a few times and were able to score from it."
The Demons certainly had put their first round defeat to the side as they, worked harder, worked smarter and finished better than their round one effort.

Boolarra vs Mirboo North
Opening wins to both of these two clubs relieved none of the pressure going into the second round of the season.
With both finishing outside of the leagues top six in 2024, positioning themselves to get that opportunity this year would be dependent on winning games just like this. In the end the Demons took their chance 10.8 (68) to the Tigers' 5.4 (34).
Boolarra coach Brendan Mason said it was "a terrific win in trying conditions."
"We took a very nervous 13 point lead into the long break and whilst happy with the work done we knew Mirboo North would come hard after the break which they did."
"Bailey Flanigan blanketed the dangerous returning Tiger key forward Riley Gillian which stemmed the Tiger attack to the point they were held to a single major after the main break. Reduced to 17 men and no bench, which compounded a late withdrawal that necessitated club stalwart James Holmes playing eight quarters for the day this was a win to be enjoyed as we head to the Easter break 2-0."
Damian Turner, Mirboo North coach, called it a "disappointing day."
"I feel we got our hands on the ball enough but too many simple mistakes cost us. Proud of our effort but we really need to sharpen up over the break."

Foster vs Newborough
Fresh off their round one bye, Foster jumped out of the block beautifully and kick-started their season with an impressive 14.12 (96) to 5.9 (39) victory.
Foster coach Sam Davies said it was "nice to get a win first up."
"We overused the ball going forward and didn't lower our eyes enough and played into their hands. We did end up with plenty of goal kickers which is nice and we still have a couple to come back in."
Newborough coach Pat Frendo said the Tigers were "much too strong."
"We showed patches of effort and pressure for periods but Foster responded well every time. Felt like we had a lot of the ball in our forward fifty in the second half but failed to impact the scoreboard at all."

Tarwin vs Stony Creek
With both sides chasing their first win, the Sharks found themselves chasing the Lions for most of the day before a disappointing 26-point loss, their 7.10 (52) well short of the visitors' 12.6 (78).
Tarwin coach Lachie Jones said"we were outworked today by Stony Creek who were disciplined and hungrier so full credit too them. I'd like to acknowledge Chris Verboon who has had a terrific career."
It hasn't be an ideal start to the season for the Sharks, but it must be said that they were competitive for most of the day.
Stony Creek coach Troy Shepardson described the match as "a very fast paced tight contest down at Tarwin where we were able to convert our chances and come away with our first win for the year"
With five goal scorers, and multiples to Bergles, Bull and Bernando, the Lions proved to have plenty of avenues to goal.
Couple that with the observations of an opposition that describes Stony Creek as "disciplined and hungry" and the makings of a good side are quickly being put together.

Yinnar vs Toora
The league's leading premiership contenders really put their foot down after quarter time in the battle of the Magpies to win by better than ten goals, Yinnar winners 17.17 (119) to 7.9 (51).
"We played some really good football in the first quarter where our pressure was up and our ability to move the ball was on point. Unfortunately we were not able to stay at that level for long enough and Yinnar ran all over us after halftime," Toora coach Jai Acardi said.
The visitors indeed did match it with the home ground Magpies early, with scores locked away at twenty two a piece at the first break, but as good sides do Yinnar quickly put their opposition under more and more pressure to quickly gain control.
Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch said "after a fairly even first half, we managed to get on top in the second half and get the game on our terms. We ran the game out really well and finished with a good win."

Bye: Fish Creek