The Lismore Swans pre-season preparation was about to be put to the test in Saturdays round 1 match v rivals Ballina. The day was a proud day for Lismore as the 2011 premiership flag was unveiled and handed to the Swans Captain, Coach and President.
The Opening round commenced with the Swans running out in a brand new strip however some lazy positioning gave the Bombers two 50 meter penalties for 2 goals to give the Bombers the start they were after. The Swans had a reasonable first term however were unaccountable in manning up and Ballina's loose players proved damaging with the Swans trailed by 15 points at quarter time.
The Swans regrouped in the second term with some brilliant tap work and centre clearances which provided plenty of run while the forwards led hard and kicked goals. It didn't take long for the Swans new recruits to gel together as the side lifted the intensity to play a hard running game to take the lead by by 4 points at the main break.
The Bombers started the third term in fine form to take the lead early however the Swans continued to work together running the ball out of the back line, through the mid field and generated plenty of opportunities for the forwards as Lismore took out a handy 12 point lead at the final break.
The Bombers once again hit the Swans early with the first goal of the final term however this is when the Swans stepped up and took control of the match. Lismore's defence worked tirelessly in the final term to set up the sides attacking moves as the Swans opened the game up with their relentless running attacking football to kick 7 goals in the final term and run away to a 44 point win.
Dean Webb was outstanding up forward kicking 8 golas while Wesley Seewald led hard all day giving the midfield plenty to kick to. Swans new recruits were fantastic as AJ, Dylan, and Ryan proved handy pick ups while first gamers to the code of AFL Brodie, Kael and Ben were big contributors.
A great effort all round with all players contributing to the strong performance. Lismore will now prepare to make the trip up to Carrara to take on the Saints.
Best players on the day were Dean Webb, Scott Brown, Morgan Hindry, Andrew James, Angus Legoe, George Massa.
Goals went to Dean Webb with 8, George Massa kicked 3, and singles to Wesley Seewald, Morgan Hindry, Dylan Urquhart, Ken Roberts and Andy James.
Lismore 1.4 5.9 9.13 16.16-112
Ballina 4.1 5.5 8.7 10.8-68
Last Modified on 15/04/2012 21:15