Thomson coach Paul Lynch is hopeful Devon Smith will make up to seven appearances over the remainder of the season after playing a key role in a thrilling two-point win over Bannockburn.
Smith, who won a best and fairest with Essendon during an 182-game AFL career with the Bombers and GWS Giants, kicked four goals, as the City Tigers held off their inaccurate country rivals, 7.10 (52) to 6.14 (50).
Pre-season whispers that Smith, who spent the last two years as playing co-coach of GFNL outfit Lara, was keen to play with good mates Billie Smedts and Dylan Jose at Godfrey Street proved on the mark after he lodged a clearance during the week and successfully negotiated training on Thursday night.
“His one-touch stuff was pretty special,” Lynch said.
“He certainly can play some good footy, and he wouldn’t have had a massive amount of possessions or anything.
“But you can see that quality when he gets a footy in his hands.”
With Smedts sidelined with a back injury and awaiting further advice on the seriousness, Lynch expects Smith, now a golf professional, to make semi-regular appearances as Thomson pushes for consecutive flags.
“His aim was always to have a couple of games with Billie (Smedts) and ‘Josey’,” Lynch said.
“Billie didn’t play today, so we’ll definitely get another one out of him.
“But he’s looking at maybe playing that five or six, seven games. It’ll just depend on his golf. So, it will be just a week-to-week thing.
“He carries a few points as well, so we’ll just play it by ear.
“As it sits right now, we haven’t got any point struggles, so he can definitely fit in at the moment.”
In a wind-affected contest, only one goal was kicked to the western end of the ground for the match, with Thomson held goalless in the second and final terms.
However, despite a late scramble, Bannockburn could not find the match-winning major.
Lynch labelled the win as good as some of his team’s performances in 2024.
“I said to them after the game that the Bannockburn and Inverleigh wins last year were pretty special, and that was equal to today,” he said.
“We had a bit of cattle out, but we’re still able to get it done.
“We’ve had a plan to execute and did it pretty well.”
Captain Sam Jacka played as a spare behind the ball and proved impassable for much of the afternoon, while returning big man Jordy Camm was also crucial with three goals.
However, an ongoing knee issue has veteran Jackson Macleod in doubt for next week’s clash with Inverleigh.
For Bannockburn, Ayden Osborne kicked two goals and was among the Country Tigers’ best with Rhys Ginn and Alex Beardsell.
They next face the unbeaten North Geelong.
Belmont Lions have overcome a tenacious Geelong West by 13 points to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
The Giants held a narrow two-point lead at three-quarter time at West Oval, but the Lions finished the better, kicking 3.4 to 1.1 to claim a 9.13 (67) to 7.12 (54).
Noah Houtsma kicked a season-best three goals for the Lions, while Alex Blair managed three majors for West.
Andrew Boseley kicked five goals, and Brad Gerrard dominated in the midfield, as Anakie snatched a crucial seven-point win against Werribee Centrals at Anakie Reserve.
The accurate Roos regained the Williamson-Gillett Trophy, 13.5 (83) to 11.10 (76).
Cam Saliba finished with five goals for the Centurions, who are now two games adrift of the top five.
A fast start with the breeze proved the difference as Bell Post Hill defeated Corio by 43 points at Shell Reserve, 18.8 (116) to 10.13 (73).
The Panthers kicked 7.1 to 2.5 in the opening term, including three to Lachie Wilson, to open up a 26-point advantage.
Nick Costello (four goals) produced another vintage performance, with best-on-ground Felix Jones and Dyl Witney joining Wilson in kicking three goals.
Herschelle Carr kicked five goals for the Devils, who were best served by Blake Ash and Dylan Cefai.
East Geelong has finished the stronger to beat Inverleigh by 25 points at Inverleigh Reserve.
Trailing by three points at half-time, the Eagles’ 4.7 to 1.0 third quarter proved vital in the 11.19 (85) to 9.6 (60) result.
Zac Smith finished with five goals, while Austin Mulvahil and Jack Dickson impressed for the winners.
Mason Dickson was best in front of goal for the Hawks with three majors.
A stunning eight-goal final quarter burst has helped North Geelong remain unbeaten on top of the ladder following a 47-point win over Winchelsea at Eastern Reserve.
The Magpies led by a narrow four points at three-quarter time, but stormed home to claim a 14.15 (99) to 7.10 (52) victory.
Young guns Rory Desnoy and Cooper Pasque kicked three goals, while Lara recruit Ben O’Brien’s fine season in defence continued.
Indi Parish kicked two goals for the Blues, who had coach Ben Moloney pull on the boots for the first time.
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