A SEVEN-goal haul from Brad Rees has helped guide the Tamworth Kangaroos to their first victory of the AFL North West season over the Narrabri Eagles.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The undermanned Roos outfit put themselves in a winning position in the first half, first by leading the Eagles by 22 points at the first break.
The Roos then kept the Eagles scoreless in the second term while piling on six goals of their own to lead by 62 points at half-time.
Things only got worse for the Eagles from there, as the Roos restricted them to just three behinds in the third quarter, while adding another seven goals to their own tally.
Read Also:
With a 104-point lead heading into the final quarter, the Roos piled on the punishment, adding four more goals to run out 21-18-144 to 2-5-17 winners.
Warwick Gilmour was the Roos next best goal kicker behind Rees, finishing with six goals in the 127-point victory.
Keegann Richardson was named Narrabri's best player, while Luke Baker and Raymond Nixon booted the side's only two goals for the game.
Roos coach Tony Bishop said the side's more experienced players lead the team to victory.
"I did ask our more experienced guys like Brad Rees and Matt Hall to take on a bit more of a leadership role," Bishop told the Leader.
"It was pleasing to see them do that and for our younger guys like Zeb Douglas to step up and play well as a group.
"From that perspective it was good to see all of our younger guys have a good game and hopefully gain some confidence."
The undermanned Roos received a boost ahead of Saturday's game with Peter Chapman a late inclusion into the side.
"Pete Chapman was a really good pick up for us in that he brings a lot of expierence to the table," Bishop said.
"Given we have a pretty young backline it was really handy for him to be back there guiding them through it.
"I have to also give Narrabri a lot of credit.
"It's never easy to turn up to a game undermanned but they are having a real crack and the game was played in good spirit."
Bishop said the Roos could expect to welcome back several experienced players for their next clash against Moree.
"We should have both Luke Robinson and Elliot Bowen back in the team next week," he said.
"Our only concern from the Narrabri game might be Dan Overeem who picked up a groin injury.
"Otherwise we might have more than 22 players to pick from."