By Jonty Ralphsmith
Joel Hillis and Nick Battle have run rings around Tyabb’s midfield in Devon Meadows’ strong return to the winners’ list on Saturday, defeating the Yabbies 16.16 112 to 7.6 48.
After an early shootout, Devon Meadows flexed its muscle, kicking 13 goals to three after the first break to make a statement and all but lock up third spot on the ladder.
After a quieter match against Edi-Asp by his standards, Hillis exploded with 38 disposals, six clearances and a goal, while Battle complemented him perfectly with 36 disposals.
Highlighting the Panthers’ spread and ascendancy in the clinches, 10 of the top 13 contested ball winners were from the visitors at Bunguyan Reserve.
Brendan Hermann looked polished and hungry on his return from injury, while Ryan Koo’s pressure allowed that trio to thrive.
In his third match back from injury, Patrick Ryder looks to be building into form nicely, taking a game-high 12 marks, including eight contested, and kicking three goals in a confidence-booster inside 50.
Liam Drew and Daniel Hellyer led the defence with seven intercept possessions each, brilliant one-on-one.
The results of the weekend set up Devon Meadows’ last match of the home and away season against Pearcedale perfectly.
Should other results fall as expected, the Panthers have the opportunity to knock their fierce rivals out of finals.
Given the stakes, Pearcedale will come out with a hard-edge, providing the Panthers with a perfect tune-up on the eve of finals.
The Dales defeated Crib Point by 40 points on Saturday, led by Ryan Bastinac and Archie McGuiness.
