By Tyler Lewis
Perennial pair Brandon White and Nick Battle are simply tearing the second flight of the MPNFL to shreds.
The duo joined Devon Meadows in the 2022 off-season and have been exhilarating for the Panthers in the opening nine rounds to date.
On Saturday, Devon travelled to take on the win-less Crib Point outfit, and despite an additional four points expected, the Panthers – led by Battle and White – torpedoed the Magpies in a 28.9 (177) to 7.10 (52) shellacking.
“He kicked eight, but he only played 2.5 quarters,” Devon Meadows coach Ryan Hendy said on White.
“We were pretty good on the weekend I thought, the boys are starting to grow in confidence.
“It has been pretty easy to coach over the last few weeks to be honest; they’re all gelling and playing good footy.”
On the expectation Battle and White brought to Glover Reserve, Hendy hasn’t been surprised by their output, but has been particularly impressed with the first month from White, and the last month from Battle.
“I knew they would come and play really good footy, they’re class players,” he said.
“Brandon started the year with a bang, he was on fire, but his body has been a little bit sore over the past few weeks.
“We have had to modify his work-load, but he has been doing what he does pretty easily.
“And Nick Battle… he has just gone to a new level over the past three or four weeks, he is playing fantastic footy.
“He had 38, I saw the stats come through last night, he had 38 and kicked two I think.”
With Langwarrin defeating Pearcedale in the Bushman’s Cup, 13.13 (91) to 7.4 (46), the Panthers – Devon Meadows – now sit second on the Division 2 ladder.
In other matches, Seaford defeated Tyabb, 15.10 (100) to 19.9 (87); Mornington defeated Hastings, 18.7 (115) to 7.13 (55); Somerville dismantled Rye, 15.21 (111) to 8.6 (54) and Chelsea overcame Karingal, 11.8 (74) to 3.11 (29).
