By Jonty Ralphsmith
It was a day out of grand proportions.
The rarely seen 200-point mark was crossed in Devon Meadows huge win over Hastings on Saturday, the final score ending up at 36.20 236 to 5.2 32.
The second quarter yielded 14 goals for the Panthers.
Patrick Ryder finished with 11 goals.
Joel Hillis kicked seven, playing exclusively in the midfield.
“After quarter time, it was pure dominance – he marked everything that came his way even though they put two blokes on him,” coach Ryan Hendy said of Ryder.
It was over midway through the second quarter after Devon Meadows booted the first 13 goals of the game.
Hendy said his side would take plenty of confidence from their willingness to keep the foot on the accelerator.
“We’re not a side in the past that would put the foot down and go on with big wins like that,” Hendy said.
“The boys moved the footy better than they probably ever have in the second quarter.
“It was a great opportunity to practice gameplans which the boys executed well on Saturday.
“There was plenty of overlap run which was great to see.”
Perhaps the only minor concern to come out of the day was star midfielder Brendan Hermann only playing for five minutes before copping an elbow to the eye which required stitches.
While he didn’t return to the field, the club does not expect him to miss any games.
Among the youth who Hendy said contributed well included Jack Wilson, Ryan Koo, Alex Canal and Riley McDonald.
Hendy also highlighted Hillis’ first fortnight of the season, following a season of NTFL footy in Darwin which has him conditioned beautifully for the season ahead.
“He’s been an outstanding player over a long period of time but he’s at that prime age and is in unbelievable shape.
“He’s the fittest he’s ever been and I reckon he’s probably the best player going around in the competition.
“He’s built his tank and has a massive engine and has got himself stronger.
“He’s executing every part of his game which is really good to watch.”
Devon Meadows will look to maintain its unbeaten streak against Bonbeach on Saturday.
