The reigning premier Storm in their twilight game at Tannery Lane kicked 13 goals to six after quarter-time to win 15.13 (103) to 8.4 (52) in their first victory under the reign of new coach Coates.

“Jordan Formosa, the two Donnan boys (Trent and Wade) and Jake Moorhead all played really solid games in the midfield for us,” Coates said.

“We felt we were beaten in that area by Eaglehawk last week and it was definitely a focus going into this game to get on top in the midfield and around the stoppages and those guys were all fantastic.”

Also playing crucial roles in the Storm’s 51-point victory were ruckman Harry Crone and skipper Kallen Geary, who was a driving force off half-back.

With key forward targets Lachlan Sharp, Bryce Curnow and Hugh Robertson all missing the Storm had a variety of avenues to goal, with 12 players contributing majors.

Strathfieldsaye’s Tom Dowd rolled an ankle during the third quarter, but is expected to be right to play against Kyneton in round three.

The victory was the Storm’s 10^th on the trot against Gisborne, which came up short in its first attempt this year at claiming a scalp of note.

A familiar name of years gone by for the Bulldogs in Anthony Belcher featured among their best players, which were led by Heath Simpson and Jack Reaper.