A fine finishing performance from Jarrod Berry and a winning return for Tom Williamson headlined a testing weekend for the region's premier football exports.
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Horsham Saints product Berry bagged a career-best equalling three goals to guide the Brisbane Lions to a dominant 30-point win against fellow premiership-hopeful, the West Coast Eagles on Saturday night.
The 22-year-old relished a heavier workload in the absence of captain Dayne Zorko, racking up 13 disposals with more than 300 metres gained.
Berry was quick to shake off the plaudits for his work in front of goal.
"I just got on the end of the forwards' good work which was nice but they (goals) don't come around very often so you take them when you can," he said post-match.
Berry also laid five tackles in a characteristically tough performance.
"I think that sums up our game, effort, and that was there the whole night and showed up on in our contested ball. We had a pound the rock mentality and that's what we did for four quarters and it was great to get a good result," he said.
Tom Williamson's return to AFL action couldn't have been better scripted, with the Ararat export stepping up admirably in defence to help Carlton to an upset two-point win against Geelong.
Saturday night's thriller was just the 21-year-old's third senior game since his debut in 2017, having had his previous two seasons curtailed by a back injury.
Williamson collected eight disposals off the bench as he stated his case for a permanent position in the Blues' backline.
"It was obviously a tough road for me to come into a side like this, the boys have done a lot of work to get to this stage. To get a result was awesome and to be a part of it was even better." Williamson said post-match.
"I knew my chance would come at some stage so I just had to be ready for it when it did come."
It was a frustrating weekend for Edenhope-Apsley's Tom McDonald, with Melbourne's clash against Essendon postponed following a positive test in the Bombers' playing group.
McDonald instead stepped out in an intra-club training match, alongside brother Oscar, ahead of Sunday's clash against Geelong.
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Matt Currill
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
