Although the Antarctic front passed through early on Saturday morning, Currie still gave North a frosty welcome in their first home game of the season.
North was short on players, with many from the Summers family in Port Douglas for a family wedding, however they managed to field 15 players with juniors Harrison Lincoln, George Freeman, and Seth Bowling – playing his first senior game with his uncle, Beau Mullin – along with Jackson Taylor from Grassy, stepping up.
Currie also found reinforcements to don the black and red in Duncan Clemons, Dylan Beecroft and Doug Cox, so were able to field 15 players as well.
The sky was blanketed with cloud cover, but it wasn’t unpleasant. The afternoon cooled off quickly without a breeze, however the opening half of the match offered pristine outdoor viewing.
The game began with congestion in the centre and a few stoppages before Joel Williams got it forward to Duncan Clemons, who marked at the 50, but didnot register a score.
Harrison Lincoln received a free kick at the other end but missed from a sharp angle.
The ball stayed near North’s end until Keenan Fanning scored the first. Tyler Smith held steady at full-back for Currie, saving North’s next forward entry.
Matthew Button, seemingly unmarked by Currie, had a field day but his kicks fell short and Currie managed only one forward entry in the first quarter, after getting a free in the centre, but failing to penetrate deep into their forward line.
Charlie Raff intercepted and switched the play, but Lincoln got another free, and a 50m penalty, to line up for North’s second goal.
North also scored the next one, as Currie remained scoreless, but they didn’t have to wait long to hit back, with Campbell Keeler outmuscling his opponent to score Currie’s first, followed by another from Charlie Raff.
Currie quickly found another point and locked it in their forward area, with Raff scoring again. After a slow start, Currie ended the first quarter even with North at 20 points apiece.
The second quarter began with more congestion and a bit more intensity. Currie quickly opened with a goal. Cox then showed speed in the centre to get it forward to Keeler, but a slightly angled shot resulted in a behind.
North responded through Richard Sutton, who was looking fit but needed to shake off some rust before scogin his first. Beau Mullin missed from a free and 50, but Mole retrieved and sent it forward again.
The game heated up with some fiery matchups. Currie gave away several 50s, and North capitalised with another goal.
However, Tom Graham scored soon after for Currie, followed by strong defensive play from Tyler Smith. Bailey Rainbow, aggressive and accurate, moved forward.
Cox kept it inside the forward area and Currie rushed a goal, quickly followed by another just before the half-time siren, putting them 2 points up.
The third quarter began with Currie walking languidly onto the field, five men short, perhaps a ruse as they quickly scored a goal through Williams in the first 30 seconds.
North replied with a behind, but Smith’s strong defence kept them at bay. Williams was everywhere, passing to Raff for another goal.
Keeler was then awarded a free and goaled from in front. Rohan bulldozed through the centre, but a turnover sent the ball back Currie’s way, only for Keeler to hit the post.
The dry, still conditions favoured clean marks and free-running play, resulting in less chaotic, congested footy.
Currie capitalised on free kicks, with Luke Day scoring late in the third quarter, keeping North scoreless and Currie leading by 42 points.
The sun broke through in the final quarter, challenging those facing the Netball Court end. North scored quickly, but Currie responded.
Lincoln, playing well in his senior debut, scored multiple goals. Despite North’s strong last quarter, Currie’s defence held strong.
A clash in the centre briefly halted the game, but all players were upright. Currie won by 19 points, securing their second victory of the season.
PHOTOS: King Island Football Association
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