By Trevor Jackson
Port MacDonnell 13.10 (88) d Mount Burr 11.10 (76)
Port MacDonnell claimed its second win of the Mid South East football season on the weekend, with a 12-point victory over Mount Burr.
The Round 4 clash had been transferred to the Mount Burr oval due to renovations on the ground down at the Bay but the reigning premiers still had the measure of the Mozzies.
Without coach Simon Merrett on the job, Kev Thomson stepped up to the plate and ensured the Demons chalked up another victory.
However, they were forced to work hard for the win, with scores tied at the first break, before the Mozzies stretched their advantage in the second term to go to the long break eight points up.
The Demons needed something special to remain in touch and the third quarter provided just that, as they banged on five majors while holding Mount Burr to just three, heading to the final break with a handy five-point advantage.
The final term played out reasonably even but the Demons held on for a well-deserved victory.
Thomson led by example up forward for the victors with five goals, while Brandon Newton (3), Lennox Lewis (2) and Mason Brown (2) also kicked multiple majors.
Tim Sullivan showed his versatility, with a goal and several intercept marks at the defensive end to stifle the Mount Burr forwards.
Thomson said it was typical of the big ruckman, who refuses to rest, preferring to play an active role around the ground.
“Tim had an unreal last 10-12 games last year and he got even fitter in the pre-season,” he said.
“I have played A Grade for about 15 years and he is the most dominant player I have played with.
“He is our number one ruckman and is just a competitor.
“You try to get him to rest forward during a game and doesn’t want a bar of it, he just wants to ruck and be in the thick of it.”
Likewise, Thomson said the likes of Rhys Timms and Wade Chant were also in good touch throughout the game.
“Wade Chant had the job on Jack Gregory and he played the best game I have seen him play,” he said.
“Rhys Timms at centre half back played the best game I have seen him play.
“They are all young boys so the club is heading in a pretty good direction.”
Thomson said he expected a tough hitout against Mount Burr, especially on their home deck.
He said with the regular coach out of action he was happy to step up to the plate.
“They are a young quick team, while we have a few more big bodies in the mid-field,” Thomson said.
“They controlled the game for the first half so it was good to get the win in the end.
“I knew early in the week Simmo was struck down with Covid but I was up for the challenge.
“I have been his assistant for two-and-a-bit years and I enjoyed the time, the opportunity and the challenge.”
Another challenge looms this weekend against Nangwarry, with some sibling rivalry thrown into the mix.
With the Saints up and about, coached by Kev’s brother Luke, Kev said it was an important game to win.
“I would hate to be the first team to lose to them for a while – I won’t stop hearing about it,” he joked.
“But I am proud of him, he has taken on a job a lot of people wouldn’t.
“They have picked up a few and starting to challenge, so we can’t relax this week.”
