It was a second quarter onslaught that delivered Narre Warren its 10th successive win.
The Pies appeared to be up for a fight at quarter-time, leading by just two straight kicks against fellow finals contender Monbulk.
That script swiftly adjusted however, as Monbulk did it’s best to resemble the witches hats Shane Dwyer places around the centre circle of Kalora Park on a Tuesday night.
The Hawks didn’t win a centre clearance, nor reach their attacking 50 for the best part of 18 minutes in the second term, while the Magpies piled on eight goals.
Dwyer explained just what he said at the first break that led to the overwhelming clearance dominance.
“We spoke about our zones, I think in the first quarter they went coast-to-coast,” he said.
“We just re-enforced that we wanted to protect the middle a bit more and squeeze them out wide, once we forced them out wide it was a lot easier to win the footy back.
“The boys were up for it, they realised that even though we won that first quarter into the breeze, we weren’t overly rapt with it, they lifted, which is what we’ve been able to do a lot this year.”
Among the long list of goal-kickers was Jake Richardson with seven and Will Howe with five. With 12 between them this week and over 70 between them this season, Dwyer praised both of his forwards.
“He (Jake Richardson) has a massive tank, which is really important,” he said.
“Not only is he six foot five, he can get around the ground really well and doesn’t blow up – he’s been super.
“Will is a product of Jesse Davies being injured, because he was actually playing at full-back, last time against Monbulk, and Davies got injured so we moved him forward and he’s been fantastic.
“I think he played as a forward out at the Stingrays a few years ago. We played him back last year knowing he could play forward, once we moved him this year he has taken that with both hands.
“He has a crack at everything, which is pretty good to watch.”
In other matches across Premier Division; Pakenham bounced back with a win over Officer 22.8 (140) to 4.6 (30), Woori Yallock solidified second position with a strong 16.17 (113) to 8.15 (63) win over Wandin.
The Dogs worked their way back into the contest in the second term, but wayward kicking ultimately led to their demise, kicking 3.8 in the second half.
Olinda Ferny Creek, meanwhile, shook off a slow start to storm home with a 18.16 (124) to 9.4 (58) win over Upwey Tecoma.
This weekend looms as a finals taste-tester, as Narre Warren make the toughest trip in Outer East when it travels to Wandin, while Pakenham need a win over Olinda Ferny Creek to keep its finals hopes alive.
