WONTHAGGI got off to a flying start against Drouin and never looked back, winning each quarter resoundingly on its way to a 102-point win.

However, Power coach Jarryd Blair felt the Hawks were more competitive than the scoreboard suggested.

“It was a decent hit out and around the contest they were pretty good, but they broke down a little bit going forward and we were able to set up reasonably well defensively,” he said.
Blair was pleased with Wonthaggi’s ability to lock the ball in its forward line and create scoring opportunities.

Power’s victory made for a fitting celebration of Troy Harley’s 150th senior game, with the man of the moment honoured with a pre-match banner, and going on to boot three goals.

Flynn Anderson was one of the reasons Drouin’s forward forays reaped minimal rewards, performing strongly across the halfback line and earning recognition as Wonthaggi’s best player for the day.

“He defends really well for us and gets involved with ball movement from there, and he backs his decisions in reading the play, then uses the ball well coming back the other way,” Blair said.

Crafty half forward Andrew Murray had a day out for the Power with four goals.

“He works hard up the ground for us and uses the ball well going back inside 50, and he takes his time to find the right option,” Blair said.

Jack Hutchinson covered plenty of ground as he always does, matching Murray’s four-goal output.

“He’s a talented young player and his work rate matches his talent,” Blair said of the 21-year-old.

Joshua Bates worked hard, playing one of his better games for the year on the wing.  He had a positive impact both offensively and defensively.

Toma Huther continued his stellar season for Wonthaggi, creating opportunities for teammates with his ruckwork and getting involved in the action around the ground.

“He’s in pretty good form, jumping well and following up at ground level,” Blair said.

Dan Clebney and Charlie Wans were best for the Hawks, with midfielder Clebney catching the eye of the opposition coach.

“He won the contested ball when he needed to,” Blair said of the tough player who is also adept on a wing.

Power’s Jordan Staley is on the road to recovery, having undergone surgery after suffering a broken nose, collarbone and hand during the round 12 match against Leongatha.