MYRTLEFORD’S senior footballers proved they’ve got what it takes to match it with the big boys of the Ovens and Murray season after knocking over the reigning premiers by 44 points in challenging conditions on Saturday.

Taking to a soggy McNamara Reserve like ducks to water, the Saints’ immaculate first quarter and supreme adaptability to the wet weather saw them hand Rovers their second loss of the year 9.12 (66) to 2.10 (22).

A four-goal to one opening quarter set the tone for the match, with Myrtleford’s desperate defence shutting down Rovers forward advances.

A stunning defensive effort from Jake Sharp nine minutes into the match proved the Saints were up for the fight – Rover Charlie Thompson was running onto a loose ball in the goal square and went to boot it through for the visitors’ first goal of the day, but Sharp closed the gap, dived, and rushed the ball through for a behind before Thompson could get a boot to it on the goal line.

Myrtleford continued their staunch defence across the ground, while also capitalising in front of goals.

The tricolours took a 31-point lead into half-time thanks to goals to Declan Bren and Jaxon East, and while tensions started to flare, the Saints maintained their composure and discipline.

Rovers were floundering after the long break, while Myrtleford produced seven scoring shots to three to push the lead out to 39 points heading into the final change of ends.

The slog continued through the fourth quarter, but Myrtleford had enough in the tank and far better defensive capabilities than the Rovers, which saw them take the win.

After an uncharacteristically poor performance last weekend against Wodonga, Myrtleford coach Craig Millar said he was pleased with how his squad had worked in the leadup to the Rovers game and their discipline for the full four quarters.

“We were really disappointed with the way we turned up last week against Wodonga, we needed to respond with playing our brand and playing the way we know makes us a competitive team, and we were able to do that on Saturday,” he said.

“We played a really strong four-quarter game, and I was really pleased to limit them to two goals for the game.

“I think it was just our discipline, a four-quarter game of discipline with everyone playing their role – it sounds a bit cliché but it rung true, we had to play a disciplined game against the premiers who are clearly the best side in the competition, and we were able to do that for longer periods.”

Myrtleford’s Jaxon East was a standout, finishing with 38 touches, nine inside 50s and a goal, while the rest of the Saints’ leadership stood up.

“He was super clean below his knees, he cashed in on some opportunities in front of goal, he played a really important role,” Millar said of East.

“We challenged individuals and particular lines after that game last week against Wodonga.

“They’re a pretty proud group, and Mitch Dalbosco, our captain, and the rest of our leadership group won’t tolerate standards that don’t meet our values, and we just didn’t do that last week.

“Mitch led our group very strongly with Brody Ricardi and Ryley Sharp all week, and it was a real opportunity for us to play our way and take it up to the premiers.”

The Saints now sit fifth overall, equal on points with Lavington and Wodonga, and just a game behind Rovers, North Albury and Wangaratta.

Myrtleford now has a chance to stake their premiership credentials this weekend, taking on a rampaging Hoppers outfit at Bunton Park.

Millar said North Albury would be a challenge, but a consistent performance from his squad would see them walk away with the four points once again.

“They’re in super form, their goal kickers are kicking goals, they’re defending the ground really well, and their big-name players are playing good footy at the moment,” he said.

“Clearly they’ll be the favourites on the weekend, but if we bring our game like we did on the weekend, have some more consistency, I think we’ll give ourselves a chance to be in the game.”

In other grades, the reserve Saints continued their stunning year with an 8.3 (51) to 4.6 (30) win over the Rovers, while the thirds went down 2.2 (14) to 2.19 (31).