Moama displays class in dominant win

Having kicked 18 behinds for the match last week and allowing the Eagles to stay in the contest, the Magpies again did themselves no favours in the first term, kicking seven behinds to leave the margin much closer than it should have been.

But Moama proved far too classy for a Tongala side that looked very different to the team that provided an enthralling semi-final clash last season, as the Magpies forged ahead to lead 7.8 (50) to 2.1 (13) at the main break.

It was more of the same from the Magpies after half-time, as they piled on another three goal to one quarter, stretching the margin to 50 points at the final break, before finishing the game strongly to pencil in the 55-point win.

Moama coach Sam Sheldon was pleased with the performance from his men.

"It was a good day, a good game,” Sheldon said.

“We played our way, which was pleasing, and there weren’t too many passengers, so yeah, it was good."

Sheldon has been coaching from the sidelines since early last year, however due to a number of injuries and late outs he coached from the field, providing a different perspective.

“We had a few blokes out this week, and then 'Hoges' (Lachlan Hogan) got the call up to the Pioneers which is really good for him, he deserved it, he's been playing really good footy,” Sheldon said.

“So yeah, I pulled the boots on, it was good fun to be out there with the boys. I mean, it was just a bit more fun really.

“Coaching can get a bit frustrating at times because you're not out there and sort of don't have a real feel on how the boys are going I guess."

Sheldon’s first senior game in the black and white since round five last season saw him among the goals, launching a bomb from 50 metres out to be one of 10 individual goal kickers for the Magpies.

Mitchell Lake contributed a team-high three goals to take his season tally to six, while James Whitehead kicked two to be the only other player to kick multiple majors, both being named in the best players.

Despite having players missing, Moama was able to set itself up well around the ground, which was the most satisfying aspect for Sheldon.

"We played four really good quarters,” he said.

“We structured up well, set up well, and yeah, even though we had blokes out just everyone still understood what we're doing, and it just all went pretty well."

Kristan Height was best on ground for the Magpies in a quality display throughout the midfield, while fellow off-season additions Aaron Lonergan and Kyal Atkinson justified their recruitment with solid performances. Zac Stovell also played well, rounding out the best players.

Veteran defender Brock McLean battled hard and was best afield for the Blues, while Makenzie Ryan continued his good form and made the most of the opportunities that came his way, kicking three goals.

Moama has the bye in round four, before a home game against Barooga in round five where it will look to continue its winning streak.

Tongala now has just the one win from three games, but will have the opportunity to bounce back at home next week against a Cobram side who enters the clash fresh off a 110-point demolition of Tocumwal.