Football
21 May, 2025
Tigers power to win
Down by just a few points at half time against Stawell on Saturday, Nhill put the burners on in the final half to record a 27-point victory in round five of the Wimmera Football Netball League.
Coach of Nhill Jake McQueen acknowledged it was an even game until half-time, with scores 4.7 (31) to 5.4 (34) in Stawell's favour so he had a clear and concise message for his troops at the big break.
"The message was about calming down, tidying up our ball use and just getting back to playing our brand, blue-collar footy, which is pressure and work rate," McQueen said.
"After the break we got on top around the ball, started hunting in numbers, and that pressure gave us momentum in the third.
"From a coaching point of view, it was pleasing to see us respond and lift our intensity."
Nhill kicked 8.1 after half-time to Stawell's 2.7, the final score being Nhill 12.8 (80) and Stawell 7.11 (53).
"(Lucas) Dahlenberg was massive; his pressure around the ball and ability to win it cleanly gave us a boost," McQueen said.
"(Darcy) Honeyman played very well down back, used the ball very well exitingly in the defensive 50."
Goal scorers for the game were Daniel Batson, who booted four for Nhill, while Cody Driscoll kicked five for Stawell.
Better players for Nhill were Darcy Honeyman and Lucas Dahlenburg, while for the losing side, it was Charlie Gibson and Cody Driscoll who led the way.