LEETON-Whitton have signalled they will be a serious premiership contender again with an 18-point win over Griffith on Saturday night.
The trip to Griffith is regarded as one of the toughest trips in the competition and the Crows managed to come away with the points under lights at Exies Oval, winning 14.8 (92) to 10.14 (74).
The Crows started brilliantly and led by 32 points at quarter-time before Griffith fought their way back into the contest.
Leeton-Whitton coach Jade Hodge said there was a lot to take out of the performance.
“As I said to the boys, it’s round one and we’ve got a bit to work on but it’s a win and we’ll take that,” Hodge said.
“I’d be pretty disappointed if we were hitting our straps now.
“The first quarter was probably as good of footy as I’ve seen us play. After that we probably dropped away a little bit. It was a mixture of us dropping away and them lifting.”
Neil Irwin did a good job at full-back for Leeton-Whitton and restricted Griffith full-forward Brent Arho to two goals.
Mason Dryburgh dominated in the ruck, while Ty Evans, Ryan Dunn and Daniel Muir were others to impress for the Crows.
Will Griggs and Jordan Iudica were the pick of the Swans.
