MANOR Lakes made a grandiose arrival in the Western Region Football League division 2.
The Storm marked their debut with a banner, fireworks and razzamatazz you would expect from something fresh.
Their exploits off the field were bettered only by their excellence on it, with a 108-point annihilation of the Laverton Magpies under lights at Howqua Reserve on Saturday night.
Storm vice president Brad Syme said it was a perfect start to life as a senior club.
“It was sensational. We couldn’t have asked for a better night. It was all about doing something for the community. It’s a brand new club and we got a big crowd, so it was good. The players played well too.”
It could have been an even bigger margin had the Storm kicked straight. They converted just 21 of 49 shots into goals on a still night perfect for goalkicking.
“It might’ve been a bit of first-game nerves,” Syme said.
The Storm were relentless from start to finish.
The Hunter boys — captain Heath and half-forward Charlie — pointed the way.
Full-forward Ty Priest, nephew of the legendary Barry Priest, who the WRFL named their division 1 best-and-fairest award after, added the polish with five goals. But the in-house selection for best-on-ground was Josh Callanan.
“He started off really well and then copped a whack. He came back on and was really good at centre half-back, pushed forward a bit and was even in the ruck at times,” Syme said.
The Storm have a real chance to be two-from-two when they face North Sunshine away at Dempster Park on Saturday.
WRFL Division 2 – opening round
Albanvale 35.22 (232) d North Sunshine 5.14 (44)
Glenorden 32.17 (209) d West Footscray 4.3 (27)
Parkside 31.27 (213) d Braybrook 6.5 (41)
Sanctuary Lakes 7.9 (51) lt Sunshine Heights 17.19 (121)
Wyndhamvale 16.9 (105) d Caroline Springs 11.6 (72)
Manor Lakes 21.29 (155) d Laverton 6.11 (47)
