KILMORE Seniors met bottom side Lalor at J.J. Clancy Reserve on Saturday, with a nine-goal final term ensuring they would take a 122-point win, 22.15 (147) to 3.7 (25).
It was a memorable day for the Blues, who unfurled their 2024 reserves’ premiership flag prior to their game earlier in the afternoon, before recording big wins over the Bloods to get their season started on the right note.
Later, in the senior’s, the Blues game started on a high note with Jaden Smith kicking the opening goal for the Northern Football Netball League 2025 season, in fact he went on to build a reputation throughout the game for his long and accurate goal kicking. Skipper Mick Marrett, was an engine throughout the midfield.
Lalor were outclassed by the Blues in the second half, with Ryan Johnson and Bailey Derrick causing the Bloods problems in their back half, and Chris Barton was reliable in defense throughout the game.
In Kilmore’s forward line Kye Maher had a dominant third quarter and Caleb Newport’s marking left his Lalor opponent unable to stop his influence.
As the shadows crept in, Lalor’s legs were well and truly dead but Kilmore’s recruit, Josh Alford, on debut after moving from Seymour, continued running and proved himself to be a team player, making clever use of a goal built by Barton and Marrett.
Smith and Newport led the way with four goals for the Blues, while Marrett, E. Derrick, Alford, Deed and Barry kicked two goals each, and Chesher, Ferguson, Taylor and Schraven kicked one apiece.
Coach Paul Derrick named Marrett, Chesher, Johnson, Barton, B. Derrick, and Smith as the Blues’ best players for the match, and also said he is looking forward to Bailey Taylor-Egan returning for Round 2.
Kilmore have a bye next week and play away against Heidelberg West on Anzac Day.
KFNC President, Leigh Irons was undoubtedly satisfied.
“The whole weekend was amazing probably the most successful weekend the club has had in a long time, nearly ever,” he said.
“The U19s lost a close and hard-fought game against Mernda. But it was great to see them run out again (after not having 19s for a few years.)
Then to have both Reserves and Seniors win by over 100 points made the rest of Saturday incredible a huge crowd turned out.
To see the Women’s team run out for their first official game was something really special.
“I am so proud of the way the whole club has embraced them, the men’s football teams, along with coaches Desi [Paul Derrick], Jar [Jarrod Lawson] and Goudgey [Adam Goudge].
“As soon as you pull on the Kilmore jumper you are part of the family.”
