NORTH Central overcame a shaky start to defeat Geelong District by 32 points in their AFL Victoria Country Championships 19 v 20 match-up on Saturday.
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Geelong District burst out of the blocks, kicking six of the first seven goals at Geelong’s St Albans Reserve and led by 28 points during the second quarter.
But North Central responded to the early challenge, and by half-time had levelled the scores at 44-apiece, before adding eight goals to three after the main break to kick away to a 14.14 (98) to 10.6 (66) victory.
“There were some worrying signs early, but we started to find our feet during the second quarter, get our hands on the ball and use it really well,” North Central coach Mark Lloyd said.
“Our half-back line rebounded well and we shared it through the midfield and were able to get back into the game by half-time.
"The boys all showed great character to fight back after the start we had.”
Onballer Luke Fisher won the AFL Victoria Country Medal as North Central’s best player.
Teenager Dale Hinkley provided plenty of half-back drive to also be among North Central’s best, along with centreman Luke Hammond, back pocket Nick Garner, Jordan Hargreaves and Sam O’Loughlin.
Joe McGrath (four), Daniel Castellano (three) and Ricky Allan (three) combined for 10 goals for North Central, which moves up two spots to No.17 in the AFL Victoria Country rankings and meets Central Murray next year.