By Jonty Ralphsmith
Cranbourne has stamped its authority straight away in 2023, using the Good Friday Southern Division One opener to record a 10.11 71 to 5.7 37 victory over Cheltenham.
In the 2022 grand final rematch, the Eagles outplayed the Rosellas for three quarters with the final 34-point margin not reflecting the gulf between the sides, given Cranbourne’s dominance after quarter time.
Despite some key outs being among eight changes from the team that won the flag, Cranbourne controlled the midfield battle for a large portion of the day and gave itself plenty of opportunities.
Two first quarter goals for the Eagles kept the margin at seven points at quarter time, when pressure and composure were among the themes brought up to get Cranbourne in the driver’s seat.
The Premiers were then able to use the wind to their advantage in the second quarter.
After that they didn’t look back, even winning the third quarter against the wind before a goalless final quarter
Legendary forward Marc Holt was the most telling absence as Cranbourne needed to find other avenues to goal.
With Kirk Dickson also absent with a sore leg, it was on the runners and crumbers to put goals on the board as they took a limited number of marks inside 50.
Dillan Bass played as a power forward and offered presence and efficiency all day forward of centre.
He kicked a goal that embodied how Cranbourne looked most dangerous throughout the day.
Jones, a hard-worker throughout the contest, quickly moved it to Matt Allister, who handballed to Bass who provided overlap run and stylishly finished from 45 metres out.
“At times in the second and third quarter we looked dangerous, and you could see the methodology with how we brought it inside 50 had changed a little bit,” coach Steve O’Brien said.
“We were playing to our strengths and able to get some really good shots on goal.”
Tyson Barry kicked two goals and looked electric as a high-impact, low-possession player.
Midfielder Zak Roscoe, who won the best-on-ground medal in last year’s grand final, again had a massive say in proceedings.
Fed by the ever-reliable Mick Boland, he put his head over the footy in the guts, drove out the front of stoppages and floated forward to kick four goals.
“He was outstanding,” O’Brien said of Roscoe.
“We know he’s a wonderful player but he’s stepped up another level this year with his leadership.
“Him and Ryan Jones led the way for us in there.
“Even at training, Zak’s really vocal and passes on his knowledge to the boys.”
The defensive group, led by Brandon Osborne, Matt Allister and interceptor Bailey Buntine on Friday, played well throughout the day, particularly in the first quarter as the Rosellas started with the wind.
While Cheltenham banged home three first quarter goals, it could easily have been much more given the territory and possession the visitors had.
The trio acted as a brick wall for the rest of the day, not letting anything get passed them as Cheltenham managed just two goals after quarter time, with Cranbourne’s midfield getting on top.
There was a 10-minute period in the third term where Cheltenham had repeat entries but the Cranbourne backline was generally able to interrupt their rhythm forward of centre.
