Slick Magpies notch third successive win but star big man Shayne Zanetti’s season could be over

Denmark-Walpole’s third straight win has been soured by a possibly season-ending ankle injury to star big man and Kleemann Medal fancy Shayne Zanetti. The Magpies cruised to a 50-point demolition of North Albany at McLean Park on Sunday but they had to do it without Zanetti in the second half. Zanetti had to be helped from the ground after stepping on an opponent’s foot in a ruck contest, going over heavily on his ankle. He will have scans this week to determine the extent of the injury but Magpies co-coach Ryan Gaerth said early indications were not good. “It’s pretty bad, a high sprain by the looks,” Gaerth said. “Obviously we are hopeful but early signs are it’s more long term, which is a huge kick in the guts.” Zanetti was again impressive in the first half as the Magpies kicked six goals to one, setting up the emphatic victory. The home side led by 26 points at half-time before Talon Delacey kicked the first of the second half to give the visitors some life. Dionne Woods goaled from a brilliant one-on-one contest soon after to push the margin back to 28 points before Ben Farquhar and then Alec Haskins kicked majors to put the game beyond reach by three-quarter-time. A third goal to Dionne Woods and then a running goal from defensive architect Ash Smith in the fourth sealed the big win, 11.7 (73) to 3.5 (23). Haskins was outstanding for the Magpies, as he and Smith were superb in setting up their side’s attack from half-back. In the Jono Woods Tribute Match, Haskins won the trophy for best on ground after his three goals in a highly influential display while Smith was awarded the match ball from the umpires in Talk To A Mate Round after he was simply unbeaten in defence and took a number of telling intercept marks. Dionne Woods (three goals), Jayden Woods and Jaden Guidi were also among their best. “That was our better performance for the year,” Gaerth said. “We’ve been a bit patchy but we put a complete game together. “Today, it felt like we clicked and hopefully we can keep building. I don’t think I’ve won three in a row since I’ve been at the club.” The Kangas would have lost by more if not for defensive star Regan Lloyd, who did his best to halt the Magpies charge. Nathan Crudeli won plenty of the ball, Aden Castlehow and Harry Smith toiled hard while midfielder Addison Dew injured his shoulder. Kangas coach Leigh Hislop said his team lacked contributors. “I think Denmark are a big threat,” Hislop said. “They play a style of football that contrasts us well and we had too many passengers. That first goal of the game disallowed set the tone for our day.”