CALDER Cannons steamrolled the Western Jets with 21 goals after quarter time in a 112-point win in TAC Cup at Highgate Reserve on Saturday.
After a relatively close first quarter, Calder squared its season at two wins and two losses by dismantling the the Jets, 24.14 (158) to 6.10 (46).
As the game progressed it became evident the Cannons' key position players were in a class of their own. The size and skill of Keegan Shrimpton, Lachlan Plowman, Billy Morrison and Joe Daniher proved too much for the Jets.
The Jets' defence was under a constant barrage due to its inability to clear the ball effectively. A combination of relentless forward pressure by the Cannons and poor disposal meant the ball spent most of the match in the Jets' defensive 50 metres.
Cannons tall forward Morrison led the way with an impressive seven goals, while the rebounding ability of defender Plowman ensured the Jets rarely entered their forward line.
Darcy Bailey and Jonathan O'Rourke were instrumental in winning the ball in the midfield, providing a constant supply to the Cannons' forwards.
Although not one Jets player won his position, the endeavour of Sam Critchley, Nicholas Jones and Jake Greiser must be noted.
For Calder Cannons coach Martin Allison the win signified a step in the right direction after back-to-back losses.
"We made a focus in the last two weeks about where we have to get better at ... the spreading, the offensive running and the overlap on the handballs and linking up through the midfield and the switching out of defence, which today really paid dividends for us.
"It was great from a coaching point of view for the players to get reward for the improvement that they rehearsed at training, that they implemented in this game and to be able to execute it was the most pleasing thing."
-Jonathan Wilkinson