The Swans, who have strong ambitions in both sports this year, opened their account with victories against Lancaster at home to begin their KDL campaigns.
For the club’s netballers, who claimed the final spot in the six in 2018 but couldn’t make it beyond the opening week of finals, an early victory was incredibly important.
And while it was only a two-goal victory, the win is a fantastic starting point for the year.
The victory doesn’t get the side into the six at this early stage of the season, but victories in round one are worth their weight in gold.
On the football side, the Swans had a 15-point victory, despite an early scare after Lancaster jumped out to a 16-point lead at quarter time.
Coach Kasey Duncan said the Wombats had simply been better early.
‘‘Lancy flew out of the blocks,’’ he said.
‘‘They’re going to surprise a few teams across the competition this season. They were quick and ready to take the game on, so they will beat some sides with the way they play.’’
The key for Duncan was his Swans’ response.
A four-goal second quarter saw them regain the upper hand, with the side not relinquishing it for the remainder of the match.
‘‘We were challenged early and we responded,’’ Duncan said.
‘‘That’s what I ask for out of my team, when the moment demands it I want them to step up and take the game on.
‘‘Our senior leaders responded in the exact way we wanted them to, they forced themselves into the game and made an impact.
‘‘It was a hard-fought win, but we took a lot of positives out of the match.’’
Christopher Burton led the way in front of the sticks with four goals for his side.
‘‘Chris played really well for us,’’ Duncan said.
‘‘But he also missed a few shots. The positive in that is that when he has his best day he has the ability to kick five or six, so he’s going to be a really important focal point for our side as the season goes on.’’