Carmody, McNabb inspire Timbercutters as coaches put pen to paper for 2024

Mathoura led from start to finish, and omitting a slow jump out of the blocks, Cutters coach Tim McCormick was satisfied with his team’s performance after two weeks off the park.

“We were a bit scratchy early after having a couple of weeks off,” McCormick said.

“From the 10-minute mark of the first quarter we got our groove back and got back to the contested style of footy we’ve been playing the past month.

“Lachy Carmody again ... you can probably pencil him into the best every week, he was fantastic through the midfield and really leads that group.

“Clint McNabb down back was sensational with quite a few intercept marks.”

Key forward Aron Burns booted five goals in the 13.9 (87) to 6.8 (44) triumph, taking his season tally to 31, while Jarryd Fountain and Ben Coghill battled hard for the Hoppers.

Mathoura remains in 11th spot with a 4-6 win-loss record, two games outside the top eight.

The Timbercutters three-game run home begins with reigning premier Waaia this weekend, with the Bombers coming off their first loss of the season to Strathmerton.

But clashes against finals aspirants Katamatite and Jerilderie means Mathoura can still shape the fate of several clubs in 2023, and McCormick is confident his side can be competitive against the Bombers.

“That will be a big test,” he said.

“I think we play them like we did Strathmerton, just make it a highly contested game, try not to give them space to run and play man on man.

“Who knows what can happen, we almost got over Strathy.”

Victory for Mathoura was coupled with the news that co-coaches McCormick and Nick Ferrari will be at the helm again in 2024.

McCormick said he was keen to build on what had been a promising year in the Timbercutters rebuild.

“We’ve taken some pretty decent steps this year and we know what we need to look at going forward,” McCormick said.

The Mathoura coach also made mention of the club’s successful Indigenous Round.

“It was a huge day for the club and probably one of the most important dates on our calendar,” he said.

“To see the amount of support it had with everyone wearing the jumpers, the weather was fantastic and it was well supported afterwards with the jumper auctions.”