Kojonup have made an early statement in the Lower South West Football League season, surging to back-to-back wins over last year’s grand finalists as the competition’s early pecking order begins to take shape.
The Cougars’ dominant second-half display against Deanmill headlined a round that also saw Imperials bounce back into form and Bridgetown continue their unbeaten start, setting up a mouth-watering clash between the league’s last two undefeated sides this weekend.
A second-half domination proved the difference seeing Kojonup give Deanmill an early reality check with a 58-point win on the road.
Mitchell Blakers and Charlie Walton kicked six goals each for Kojonup, guiding their side to a 20.8 (128) to 10.10 (70) victory.
New recuirt Rhett Lloyd was among the best in his second game for the club along with key forward Jordan Strahan (two goals). But without big man Archie Hall, Deanmill couldn’t contain Kojonup in the second half with the Cougars kicking 13 goals to four after half-time.
Imperials turned the tide after their narrow loss last week, taking down Southerners by 28 points at home.
Last year’s grand final losers Southerners have started poorly with another loss 13.11 (89) to 8.13 (61).
Tyler Ipsen continued his goal kicking form with three goals following his two in round one, Tom Danks backed up his round one performance with a best on ground effort and skipper Brandy Armstrong led from the front with two goals for Imperials.
Southerners had the lead at quarter-time but Imperials kicked into gear, keeping the away side goalless through the middle terms while kicking eight goals themselves.
For Southerners, Will Omodei kicked two goals and was one of the best for the day, while on debut for the club Waroona stalwart Chad Wrigley was also very good.
Bridgetown have started strongly with successive wins, this week against Boyup Brook on the road by 41 points.
Will Masters backed up his four-goal haul with five to steer his team to a 13.14 (92) to 7.9 (51) win.
Kale Paton and Brodie Grant joined in with two goals each in what was an all-round commanding team performance by Bridgetown.
Round three sees another chapter added to the classic rivalry with the Anzac Day Manjimup derby on Saturday night between Tigers and Imperials.
On Sunday, Southerners host Boyup Brook and Kojonup travel to Bridgetown with the last two undefeated teams facing off.
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