Jordan Johnston provided a strong target in the forward line kicking a game-high six goals and taking nine marks.

While Callan Wellings, with 22 disposals, 14 tackles and four goals, and Thomas Berry, with 18 disposals and six tackles, were among GWV’s best.

But it was not all smooth sailing for the Rebels.

The Eastern Ranges kicked the first three goals of the game, while their first four majors came from two free kicks, including a 50-metre penalty, and two direct turnovers. 

After the untidy start, the Rebels took a seven point lead into the first break and only one point separated the teams at half-time, 54-55. 

But a strong second half from the Rebels, both defensively and offensively, opened up the game with the final score 122-69. 

Coach Gerard FitzGerald said the Rebels had closed the gap between their best and worst football, but needed to work on producing a four-quarter effort. 

“We did improve in our discipline after quarter time and the free kicks ended up fairly similar,” FitzGerald said.

“We won the stoppages after half-time after being beaten early and our tackling effort after half-time was terrific – we had 45 tackles and anything beyond 40 is very pleasing.”

FitzGerald also pointed out the Rebels won more of the ball in the second half and worked well without it.

Having made more aggressive ball use in attack a focus, the Rebels had a high inside 50 count – going inside 59 times compared to the Ranges’ 38. 

“The most important thing that I’m looking for from my forwards now is that if they can’t win their one-on-one then that they don’t get outmarked… they get the ball to ground,” FitzGerald said. 

A physical game with heavy conditions in the middle of the ground resulted in soreness among the players.

“Players have been advised to not waste any hours – if they’ve got injuries they’ve started to treat them already,” FitzGerald said.