Pert up: Oakleigh Chargers' Mitchell Pert picks up the football against Eastern Ranges on Saturday. Picture: Sam Stiglec
DESPITE 17 changes to their side, Oakleigh Chargers scored a 35-point win over a disappointing Eastern Ranges at Warrawee Park on Saturday.
With the start of the winter school holidays, the Chargers got back most of their private school-based players, giving Chargers coach Justin Wenke the chance to get his first look at several leading players since the preseason.
Wenke said the Chargers still had 16 players unavailable to face the Ranges but he plans to look at those players over the next two matches.
"I like to think we put our values and game plan strongly into the players during the preseason, so it was pretty transparent throughout the group.
"I"m saying that I don't think there would be a footy side in the country that has made that many changes as we did today."
The Chargers were ready to go from the outset, taking a 35-point lead into half time.
Wenke urged his players to maintain their intensity and control in the second half, but the Ranges found some form and run in the final term. Skillful individual goals from Ranges players Liam Kenny and Scott McInerny headlined their response.
Wenke said the Chargers would continue to give their private school players a go over the next two matches while school footy was at a pause. "We will still make changes."
Wenke praised over-age player Jake Hammond for his return after almost a year out of the game through injury.
The Chargers face Calder Cannons at Highgate Recreation Reserve this Saturday at 11am.