Railways laid bare the challenges facing rival teams this year in the Goldfields Football League when they dictated terms after quarter-time in a 23-point victory, 16.11 (107) to 13.6 (84), against Kalgoorlie in Saturday’s season-opener.
Last year’s beaten grand finalists emerged from a solid pre-season as favourites among numerous pundits for the 2024 flag, but they were stunned early by a new-look Kalgoorlie who piled on seven first-quarter goals.
The blitz was led by Kaden Elliott, whose dynamic start in the Roos’ forward line netted him three goals.
But the hard-running of Railways vice-captain Josh Mathers earned him two goals and Jack Steel’s long-range effort cut the deficit at quarter-time to a manageable 19 points.
It was from that point that the game’s dynamics changed completely.
Rather than building on the great start, Kalgoorlie were under siege for the entire second term when Railways flexed their muscles in the midfield.
It was newfound dominance that set the table for Steel, who staked an early claim for the Dick Robinson Medal with six goals.
Three of those were kicked in the second quarter that paved the way for Railways — who posted 6.5 — to lead by 15 points.
Kalgoorlie kicked five second-half goals, compared to Railways’ six — but the damage had been done.
Yarran complemented Steel with five goals and Elliott and Regan Morris combined for seven goals for Kalgoorlie.
Railways coach Rhett Pettit said the rugged start that forced his players to dig deep and get the game back on their terms was an ideal way to start the season.
“It was tough and hard and we were a bit under-manned (in defence) without Kyle Ryder and Jack Kennedy that takes away our full-back and centre-half-back,” he said.
“To their (Kalgoorlie’s) credit, they played well, kicked a couple of (early) goals from 50m penalties and we need to clean things up in that area.
“But I thought we responded pretty well and our midfield really got on top in the second quarter that obviously provided great opportunities for our forwards who, in the main, kicked pretty straight.”
It was not, however, all plain sailing for Railways who lost youngster Kelby Virgin early with a dislocated shoulder and a suspected concussion.
Also, recruit Kyle Penny had stitches put in a gash above his eye but he should be available when Railways resume from a round two bye on April 20 against Kambalda.
“Kyle, as far as name recruits, is probably one whose flown under the radar a bit,” Pettit said.
“He was very important, by giving us first use of the football and probably laid 15 tackles throughout the day.
“His pressure was unbelievable.”
Kalgoorlie were held to a single goal in each of the second and third quarters, but they never gave up the fight and edged to within 15 points at the 11-minute mark of the last term.
But Railways had all the answers and iced the four points when Yarran kicked the last of his five majors in the shadows of the final siren.
Kalgoorlie coach Justin Tarasinski, despite the result, is confident he had lots to work with this season.
“The guy’s (early) pressure was through the roof and it’s hard to maintain that across four quarters,” he said.
“Unfortunately, six goals to one in the second quarter was the game for us, but we knew it was going to be a game that was won in the midfield and that’s exactly what happened.
“We needed to win that battle for four quarters in order to nullify Railways’ big forwards and limit their opportunities.
“But Jack Steel’s a really good player and Chris Yarran missed a big chunk of last year injured but is also a player who is very dangerous and he bobbed up at times when they needed him.
“And with sides like Railways, you just can’t give them those type of opportunities.”
In a losing effort, Tarasinski praised the work rates of midfielder Bailey Morris and ruckman Jordan Angus.
“I was rapt with aspects of our performance,” he said.
“We played with a lot smaller forward line than previously and it worked for aspects of the game.”
The Roos’ main casualty was Corbin Chambers with a dislocated shoulder.
Source Agencies
