Grant Martin goes through his 200th game banner with son Archie and daughter Lillie.
The Barooga Hawks hosted Berrigan Saints for the first time in more than 23 years on Saturday, with the last being before Berrigan departed the Murray League in 2003.
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Grant Martin celebrated his 200th senior game milestone with friends and family in tow.
Grant commenced playing for the Saints in the reserves side in 2009 before making his way into the senior selection in 2010 and premiership honours in 2011.
He and Toby Dalgliesh are currently the only two players from that existing premiership side who follow the footy around in the first 18.
On a textbook perfect autumn day, the Saints held a marginal lead early going into the second.
But a second and fourth term pile on from the Hawks damaged the Saints, and we were unable to match in the final term.
It was the usual suspects doing the absolute most all day in Fraser Haintz, Mason Peters, Toby Dalgliesh and Brandon Batchelor, who added another three majors to his tally.
Griffin Surrey impressed spectators with an absolute blinder. He was untouchable in his best for the season, adding two majors to his name.
Xavier Fox played one of his best. He was stoic throughout and showed plenty of ticker.
Final score: Barooga 14.8 (92) def Berrigan 9.7 (61).
Grant Martin celebrates his 200th game with wife Tahlia and children Archie (back), Lillie and Mason (front).
Reserves
It was a massive day at the office for the reserves, in warm conditions.
We’re still missing a few players with illness and injuries, but the boys dug in and did the hard yards for the side.
Don Parry was named the best for the Saints.
The reserves will enjoy the upcoming bye and look to refresh shortly thereafter.
Final score: Barooga 20.14 (134) def Berrigan 0.0 (0).
Awards: Don Parry, Mick Fiore, Caleb Thornton, Jack Ardle, Noel Baxter, Archie Cameron.
Thirds
It was set to be a tight contest from the first whistle.
The Saints left nothing in the tank, with literally no bench or rotations and only 17 players on the deck.
With two injured on the sidelines and others unavailable, the Saints needed to conserve and utilise their smarts and skills.
They did exceptionally well, holding a great lead at halftime and going into the last.
But unfortunately, they ran out of legs and succumbed to the heat in the last.
Jordan Swann was back in the best with four majors in his bag, with other top performers in Nick Arnold, Tom Baxter and Kaleb Litchfield.
We excitedly welcomed Clem Surrey back into the side. He was in everything, including snagging the first goal of the match.
It was his first for the season. Being 60m out and off the boot, it had no right hitting through the middle, but it straightened up, bounced right through and was a great welcome back for Clem.
Logan Peasley again provided plenty through the middle into the forward half, with great skills and quick off the mark.
Final score: Barooga 11.8 (74) def Berrigan 8.1 (49).
Fourths
It was another hard gig for our youngest Saints as they endeavoured to match up against a much older Barooga side.
Jack Phillips was named the Saints’ best and led the young side at every opportunity.
Harvey Swann continued to throw himself into everything. His second and third efforts at the footy were a sight to see.
Joe Healy also earned best on accolades in his first official year of competitive footy for the Saints.
Dusty Ryan and Ollie Batten were also among the best. They gave it their all and provided plenty of run, but were just unfortunately out classed by the older Barooga outfit.
Awards: Harvey Swann, Luke Piggott, Joe Healy, Chayse Parry, Levi Nancarrow, Jack Arnold, Coaches’ Award - Jace Willemsen.
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