“A really good start to the season” was how Macedon senior coach Al Meldrum labelled his side’s 41-point victory over Gisborne Giants on Good Friday.
There was a massive crowd at Tony Clarke Reserve — including a large Easter Bunny — and the Cats finished up with a 15.10 (100) to 9.5 (59) victory in round 1.
Last season Macedon was runner-up to Riddell in a dramatic grand final, and aims to play finals again in 2026.
Meldrum has several assistant coaches to call on, and the club has recruited well.
Addressing his players after the match, the coach said the first two and a half quarters were good, then the side had to deal with adversity.
He praised the four players who were playing their first senior games; all had contributed.
One was Leigh Brennan, a teacher with nearly 300 games behind him — the majority with Rupertswood.
Brennan has coaching responsibilities with fellow forwards, and he contributed five goals himself. Livewire young forward Brad Cooke kicked four.
Macedon led by 29 points at half-time but finished the game having had two players taken to hospital.
The Giants had kept themselves in reach with five goals straight in the first half, and their players produced some good football at times.
But the task of overhauling the Cats was too great.
Final scores were Macedon 15.10 (100) defeated Giants 9.5 (59).
Best players for the Cats were listed as Blake Watson, Sam Indian, Joshua Govan (brother of captain Hamish), Nathan Bridgland, Leo Webb and Ronan Yow Yeh.
Giants’ best were Mitchell Bongiovanni, Ethan Wellby, Zachary Ploog, Matt Quigley, Connor Bills and Zach McKenzie.
The Giants began the day well with a 6.6 (42) to 4.7 (31) victory in the Under 19.5s after scores had been level at half-time.
In the Reserves, Macedon dominated to end up winning by 42 points — 8.7 (55) to 2.1 (13).
Macedon’s next game is on Saturday, April 18, with the Giants at home to Romsey the same day.
