ON a memorable day for the club and its supporters, the Wickers had too much strength and purpose for Dunnstown.

Teenager Joel Antonio made his senior debut on the weekend and played alongside brother Matt. His agility, clever hands, patience, pace and ability to read the game make him a potent on-baller in junior and representative footy.

Caleb Hepworth, 17, was also in the starting line-up for the first time. His superb overhead marks and willingness to move the ball on quickly stamped him as a player with a big future.

The match began with Creswick kicking into a stiff breeze but its attack on the ball and movement through the centre of the ground showed it wanted to make the running.

Gordon managed the first goal but the strength and purpose was with the Wickers who _ through the agency of Mick Griffin's creative handball _ kicked four unanswered goals to lead at the first break.

Creswick players were running dangerous, aggressive lines so that only one handball was needed to make an effective break and the forwards relished the quick, open delivery.

Pint-sized forward Skip Patterson was twice an effective marking target and twice he converted truly.

Andrew Nethercott led strongly to mark courageously and suddenly the Wicks had a wealth of options.

The second term was tighter and despite Ben Murray setting a fabulous example with brilliance and bravery, Gordon managed to limit the damage and the half time margin was 26 points.

Smothers to Patterson and Simon Hepworth typified Creswick's resolve while Brett Hagen was tireless and superb and was never beaten for the ball.

The third quarter mirrored the first with a sensational Wicker boomerang goal on the run to Patterson and an inspirational run-down tackle and conversion by Clint Robinson extending the margin to 44.

Justifying his coach's confidence, Ben Moran was playing terrific footy in defence with great run, carry and delivery. Debutant Wyatt Peters was effective in the ruck and around the ground but Gordon steadied and dominated the final 10 minutes of the game, although off-target and

ineffective on the scoreboard.

Creswick's Brad Scown kicked the sealer to make the margin seven goals early in the last term and then saved one in the teeth of Gordon's goal a moment later.

Score: Creswick 16.12.108 def Gordon 8.9.57. Best: M. Antonio, S. Hepworth, B. Moran, B. Murray, S. Patterson, M. Griffin, B. Scown, B. Hagen.