Full flight: Barooga's Sam Poole takes a leaping mark at full speed against Mulwala.
Photo by
Courtney Vogel
Barooga has been left to lick its wounds after the Hawks were hammered by reigning Murray League premiers Mulwala on Saturday afternoon.
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The Lions dominated from the outset and throughout the contest at Lonsdale Oval in Mulwala, with two eight-goal quarters book-ending an emphatic 123-point victory.
Mulwala slotted home eight goals to Barooga’s one in the opening term, followed by an eight-goal-to-two fourth quarter that capped off the 27.9 (171) to 6.12 (48) result.
Barooga coach Luke Jarjoura said he was disappointed with his side’s performance, especially after its big win over Cobram the week prior.
“We got smashed in contested ball, which is something we pride ourselves on,” he said.
“We were just completely outclassed by a very, very quality outfit. Not only around the footy, but our forwards struggled to get their hands on the ball. We were just completely outplayed across the board.
“I was extremely proud of our efforts the week prior against Cobram, but we let ourselves down in our preparations.
“The celebrations from what was a very emotional victory probably went on a bit too long. Tuesday training wasn’t where it needed to be, our preparation wasn’t at the level required for Murray League standards.“
Barooga has had an up-and-down start to the year, with a memorable win over Cobram sandwiched between two heavy defeats at the hands of premiership contenders Congupna and now Mulwala.
Through traffic: Barooga's Lachie Harris weaves his way through a pack against Mulwala.
Photo by
Courtney Vogel
Jarjoura said the Hawks knew they would face some tough challenges to start the year, but added he was optimistic about the way things were heading.
“We knew it was going to be a tough start to the year playing the top three sides in the first five rounds, it is not all gloom and doom by any means, we just need to make sure we get the win this week,” he said.
“I am extremely positive and I am rapt with the group that we have got. I have full faith in the group that we can get the job done against Finley and then we can move forward.”
With a flock of young players on his list, Jarjoura said he had been impressed by the way the young Hawks in particular had performed so far in 2023.
“I have been really impressed with Jayden Geisler’s start to the year. He is only 15 and he has a bright future in front of him. I think he will move on to bigger and better things with the Murray Bushrangers,” he said.
“Caleb Jezewski is in his first year out of thirds and he has been really exciting as well. He had his first senior pre-season and he hasn’t looked out of place when he has rotated through the midfield.
“I have been really impressed with those two guys.”
Barooga will look to bounce back when it takes on Finley at home at 4.55pm on Saturday, April 23.
“We really look forward to getting back home and playing in front of a big crowd under lights on Saturday night,” Jarjoura said.
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