Wallan retained its spot atop the ladder with a 9.12 (66) to 3.5 (23) win against Macedon, overcoming greasy conditions and a sloppy start to strangle the Cats after quarter time.
The Magpies trailed by 11 points at the first break after failing to capitalise on early opportunities, but did not allow their opponents to kick a goal thereafter, outscoring Macedon 57-3 for the rest of the match.
Assistant coach Spencer Mathieson said Wallan adapted well to the wet conditions and worked hard to apply midfield pressure.
“After quarter time we were a lot better at working without the footy and our forward line clicked a bit better. We got more reward for our effort,” he said.
“In the first quarter they transitioned the ball from their back 50 with not a lot of pressure, and we had to work a bit harder.”
Mathieson praised midfield-forward Mason Bowden, who was best on ground in the win.
“He did really well to get clearances and worked back to win the footy deep in our backline,” he said.
“He’s a really good decision-maker and good at setting up other players. He’s a Wallan junior who has come back to the club and we’ve been rapt with how he’s going about it.”
Also outstanding were Sean Morris, Corey Viani, Jake Layley and Patrick Mahoney.
Captain Michael Mannix, a defensive stalwart for the Magpies, was another key contributor and will play his 300th senior game in round six in a home game against Lancefield on May 20 after a bye this week.
“It’s a pretty big milestone so we’re looking forward to that,” Mathieson said.
“Hopefully we get a big crowd along and the top ground is open again after the renovations.”
