ST. JOSEPH’S have kicked off the season with a dominant 76-point win over North Shore at Drew Oval on Saturday afternoon.
A large crowd turned out for the standalone season opener brought forward from Round 3, and were treated to a high scoring match with Joey’s winning 22.18 (150) to the Seagulls 11.8 (74).
The home side led throughout the match, building on a 30-point half time lead.
Paddy De Grandi and Callum Mitchell both booted four goals each for the winners, while Jordan Lane (two goals) was the only multiple goal scorer for North Shore.
New Joey’s recruit Ben Kamaric also starred in his first match at the club, after coming up from Tasmania during the off-season.
“I’m just glad to get the first one out of the way to be honest, I was very nervous,” he said.
“I’ve played all my life at the same club so to whack on another jumper felt a bit weird.
“And to sing the song at the end was a bit weird but it was great and it was just a great team performance.”
Kamaric told K rock Football post game, he’s settled into the club nicely with the guidance of skipper Alex Hickey.
“As you’d expect, he’s just a great leader.
“He’s just a very selfless person and it’s just good to be around him.”
Joey’s take on the reigning premiers when the GFNL ‘returns’ for Round 1 in two weeks.
Kamaric said he’s keen to have his first taste of what it’s like coming against St. Mary’s, saying he’s excited for the challenge and desperate to give it a crack.
“I can’t wait.
“The first thing I got told is it’s just like the biggest game of the year for the club.
“And to personally come in and make a name, I would’ve loved to have played them today, but to make a name for myself and make a name for Joey’s as well.
“We don’t want to lose to them.”
North Shore will take on Colac when the Seagulls return home for Round 1 on Saturday April 15.
Twitter: @krockfootball
