Centenary spark: Ammos crush Suns by 117 points

GEELONG Amateur’s centenary celebrations received the perfect on-field accompaniment on Saturday, with the Ammos thumping Surf Coast Suns by 117 points at Queens Park.

Key forwards Mitchell Day and Sam Lloyd each kicked eight goals in the win, with Lloyd extending his lead atop the league’s goalkicking chart.

Coach Riley Kershaw said the side has finally found the momentum to use its big kickers in the best way.

“The guys up the field are starting to work out a little bit more how to use [Day and Lloyd] better,” Kershaw said.

“As a result, those two guys are the ones that get on the end of it. They’re good one-on-one players with a lot of experience.

“Our mids and forwards are starting to get a bit of synergy that allows those guys to get on the end of them.”

 

Rookie Archer Hanegraaf was also influential, with Kershaw pleased at how the youngster has taken to his first year of senior football.

Stalwart Tom Gribble and key signing Jesse Tardio were also among the best in a weather-affected slog.

With just a small bout of sunshine all day, Kershaw said his squad adapted well to the miserable conditions.

While the club celebrated a major milestone off the field, the side did not let the festivities distract them from their preparations.

Despite the margin, Kershaw said the club’s first meeting with the Suns since their admission to the competition was a reminder not to take any opponent lightly.

“It’s been proven time and time again over the last two or three years that when sides do get complacent, they might not be on the end of the result that they want to be,” Kershaw said.

 

“We’ve learned that you’ve got to take every side for what they’re worth, whether it be a new side or a side that hasn’t performed well previously.

“Knowing that you don’t know much about [the Suns] probably makes them a little bit more dangerous than the others.”

Attention now turns to Modewarre, with Kershaw expecting a tousle at Mount Moriac Reserve.

Despite the seven ladder positions between the two sides, the coach admitted the Warriors always test them.

“We always battle with Modewarre,” he said. “They’re always a good side.

“Last year we got them by a couple of points and the year before that they got us. It will be a good challenge, particularly at Mount Moriac, it’s probably one of the toughest places to play.”