The Deni Rovers were a force to be reckoned with when they made the trip to Rennie on Saturday for round 16 in the Picola League.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Both teams were raring to go, but with the Rovers getting more forward 50 entries early.
The Rovers capitalised on a few chances before letting the Hoppers back in via some goals from conceding territory and free kicks.
Midway through the first quarter, the Rovers were just in front by only one.
They had two goals and one behind to Rennie’s three straight goals.
Taking the game on, the Rovers added four goals and another behind by quarter time while shutting out Rennie.
In the second quarter, the Rovers got the ball moving, adding six goals and four behinds to Rennie’s one goal and one behind.
The Rovers again generated repeat shots on goal, but were a bit more wayward in the third when kicking four goals and six behinds to Rennie’s one goal and two behinds.
Determined to finish out the match strongly, the Rovers again had chances but kicked three goals and seven behinds, while Rennie kicked both a goal and a behind for the quarter.
It all led to a 99 point away win for the Rovers.
In conjunction with other results, the Rovers secured a top eight position with one round remaining until finals, with Deni set to face a red hot Blighty.
Rivva Karpany was clinical up forward, kicking five, while Alex Hay and Tyson Willis got four each.
Dangerous off the halfback flank were Waylon Johncock and Jackson Muldoon-Leetham, who set up much of the Rovers play alongside Logan Ives.
Liam Taylor got his first senior goal.
Final score: Rennie 6.4 (40) def by Deni Rovers 19.25 (139).
Goals: Rivva Karpany 5, Alex Hay 4, Tyson Willis 4, Liam Taylor, Logan Ives, Taj Payne, Aden Bermingham, Cam Wills, Joey Hay.
Best: Waylon Johncock, Alex Hay, Tyson Willis, Rivva Karpany, Jackson Muldoon-Leetham, Logan Ives.
Reserves
The reserves always enjoy the trip to Rennie, and it was a special day with Josh Bode making his long-awaited return after an extended rehabilitation following surgery.
Mitch Jefferies was also back in the Roos’ stripes after time in the fluorescent umpire's gear, marking his return with a clever dribbling goal from 30m out.
The Rovers started strongly, kicking the opening couple of goals before Rennie responded with two of their own.
While the Hoppers' leg speed kept the contest competitive, the Rovers maintained control of the scoreboard for most of the afternoon.
Their superior fitness came to the fore in the final quarter, allowing them to pull away for a convincing win.
The goals were shared around, with 10 different players hitting the scoreboard. Damian Hope led the way with four majors.
Dylan May was named best on ground after an outstanding performance through the midfield and up forward.
Final score: Deni Rovers 20.5 (125) def Rennie 5.3 (33).
Goals: Damian Hope 4, Brad Taylor 3, Andrew May 3, Rylan Wade 2, Ben Littmann, Dylan May, Scott Atley, John Mitchell, Darby Watson, Mitch Jefferies.
Best: Dylan May, Brad Taylor, Andrew May, Damian Hope, Darby Watson, Sam Richardson.