GSFL 2024: Slick Royals live up to coach Darrell Panizza’s standards in 40-point round-one win over Mt Barker

After announcing big-name inclusions and appointing their favourite son Darrell Panizza as coach once again, Royals lived up to their lofty bill as flag contenders with a commanding 40-point win over Mt Barker at Retravision Stadium on Saturday. The Lions unleashed their prized recruits Brock Higgins and Darcy Reader in their 16.7 (103) to 10.3 (63) win, but their slick ball use and defensive pressure catalysed their stunning victory, Panizza said. Once the ball hit the ground, the Lions’ ravenous pressure to force turnovers and precise offensive transition highlighted a complete team performance. “I thought our foot skills were really good and we will only get better,” Panizza said. “I thought it was a fairly high-standard game for the first game of the year . . . and what we were trying to do is we use the whole oval and I thought we played really well. “We want to play some exciting footy so our fans want to come along and watch it and people are excited about the way we play.” Their forward line found numerous avenues to goal, spearheaded by Nicholas Ashford, who finished with a game-high five goals, while small forward Jaiden Mole (four goals) was dangerous at ground level and star midfielder Joel Flick floated forward for two majors. The Lions stamped their authority in the third quarter, booting six goals to firmly grasp control of the game, and waltzed into the last change with the final margin lead. The Lions were without their previous first-choice ruck Stephen Beal but Higgins (38 hit-outs) still dominated in the ruck and was partnered superbly by Nathan Powell (14) who filled Beal’s absence. “He (Higgins) really enjoyed it, he had a good time and he is someone who is going to help us as the season goes on,” Panizza said. “Beal will be back next week and he’s going to get himself fit, and we will have him as our No.1 ruckman and play him like we have played him in the past. “We’ve actually got a few other things that we’re going to try, and there are still 14 games left in the season.” Corey Ward (21 disposals and a goal) owned the wing all day with gut running and excellent ball use, Flick (19) was skilful by foot, and Ben Altus (23 and one) offered plenty going forward. Bulls star Zach Jackson was the clear best-on-ground to three-quarter-time before being rotated forward and collecting 28 disposals, booting three goals and clunking seven marks. He was aided soundly by Daniel Patching, who accumulated 27 touches and kicked three goals. Despite the heavy round-one loss, Bulls coach Brad Hook was pleased with his side’s determination and believes they will be better in the long run. “I’ll be honest — it was a margin that was bigger than what we probably would’ve liked, and I thought the difference between the two sides was fitness. “It’s the first time a couple of these players have played, so that chemistry is probably not 100 per cent there as well. “I think we’ll get better and better each week as it goes.”