Former AFL gun Patrick Ryder has returned unscathed to help Devon Meadows defeat Seaford 12.18 90 to 7.4 46.
The key-position player was stationed inside 50 in his first game in 86 days, kicking a goal among his nine disposals, three marks and three tackles, providing important forward presence.
“We played Patrick at full forward and put him up to centre half forward for a bit, they double-teamed him,” coach Ryan Hendy said.
“We just built him into it and he cruised into it to get match fitness.
“(Him playing) plays into our hands – the back six when they play against us have to prepare differently and put a lot more focus into him so it gives our other forwards opportunities to get off the chain.
“Structure wise we look better with him there and move the ball into our forward line a hell of a lot differently.
“Having him in our side straightens us right up which is a bonus.”
Dean Kent played his second game back from injury and first on full minutes, amassing 30 disposals to lead the backline with aplomb.
Patrick Sinnema, Ty Kirkwood and Jayden Sullivan both returned from injury, but Brendan Hermann, Brady O’Toole and Dylan Gregson were still missing.
“We’re starting to get some continuity and get players back from injury after playing 36 players in the last 12 weeks which is massive and eight under-19s so it’s been a massive effort to still be second,” Hendy said.
“It’s been good to give some young boys a run. We’ve given Jack Grimsey a go, he’s played three on the trot and has hopefully learned a lot from the experience and will be a good little forward crumber for the future.”
Joel Hillis led the charge with a ridiculous 52 disposals, 22 contested possessions, 11 tackles and 18 clearances in Devon Meadows’ comfortable win, while Alex Canal and Kirkwood snagged three each.
The result maintains Devon Meadows’ second spot on the ladder, but they face a must-win match this weekend against Edithvale-Aspendale if they want to stay there.
Chelsea has a soft draw to finish the season and is equal on points with the Panthers.
Pearcedale, meanwhile, had a surprise 3.11 29 to 12.16 88 loss to Somerville, which is finishing the season with a rush.
Jake Frawley, Ryan Bastinac and Shane Davidson led the Dales, but the result has put them outside the top five.
Somerville has a significant percentage buffer on Pearcedale, so the Dales will almost have to go undefeated across the last three to make finals, given Somerville’s straight forward fixture.
