The Maitland Saints are reaping the rewards of their youth development with several youngsters starring in their 79-point demolition of Cardiff on Saturday.
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Jordan McFadyen led the way up front with four goals to share the goalscoring load with captain Rob Eddy who also slotted four majors.
McFadyen, who is playing his first full season of senior football, was relieved in his ruck duties by another under-17 graduate Justin King who held his own against older opponents.
The youth brigade also led the way in the backline with Mitchell Greaves, continuing his growth in his second year of seniors, joined by first-year players Chris Claridge and Lucas Sargent.
The Saints backline was at its frugal best and even without the stewardship of the experienced Dean Notman, out with a shoulder injury, managed to keep the Hawks goalless in the first half.
Saints president Kevin Greaves said the Saints first division team was boosted by a virtually full line-up in division two, allowing just one player to have to back up for two games.
The Saints have been hard hit by injuries with 11 players on the sidelines.
Greaves said the club usually has up to six players unavailable because of work commitments as well.
The Saints have struggled for midfield drive with their two midfield stars Wade Beard and Jim Taranto only playing a handful of games together so far.
But the two were back at their best on Saturday combining with centre clearances and linking up across the field.
Others to shine included Cameron Mitchell and Luke Damico.
Division 1
Maitland 4.5-29 8.6-54 12.9-81 16.10-106
Cardiff 0.2-2 0.2-2 1.3-9 4.3-27
MAITLAND: Goals: R. Eddy 4, J. McFadyen 4, A. Damico 3, W. Beard 2, L. Damico , D. Morgan , J. Taranto. Best: W. Beard, J. Taranto, C. Mitchell, R. Eddy, L. Damico, L. Sargent.
Division 2
Maitland 0.1-1 2.3-15 4.4-28 6.4-40
Cardiff 5.3-33 10.5-65 12.8-80 13.12-90
MAITLAND: Goals: J. Graham 2, H. Matheson , J. Edwards , L. Guy , A. Broadway. Best: L. Sargent, H. Matheson, J. Edwards, R. Hogenkamp, A. Broadway, J. Mitchell