Mahoney, Mahoney, Mahoney: GVL cashes in on winger’s day out

You look to the game-breakers, the players that take the game on, split the game open, have a touch of class and all the other cliché expressions.

Down by 25 points early in the second term, GVL was in need of that exact game-breaker and, with the side having an average age of about 23, it was most likely to come from a young gun.

Emerging from the pack — likely at breakneck speed — was Mansfield’s Harry Mahoney.

Mahoney’s run and drive throughout the game was one of the main factors in GVL’s resurgence and his ability to apply a deft touch to a precise kick was a marvel that, on multiple occasions, left the crowd in awe.

One passage of play in particular, where Mahoney burst off half-back, giving and receiving several handballs before finding (mid-sprint) key forward Daniel Johnston lace out at the 50m arc.

He then continued his run to receive the ball deeper inside 50, with the play leaving a strong impression on his interleague co-coach Mark Lambourn.

“That passage of play will forever be entrenched in my memory,” Lambourn said.

“That is next-level sort of football.

“I am hoping today out of this (match), whether there is a talent scout or if someone will watch this game, that is the type of kid that deserves another opportunity or deserves an opportunity at an elite level.

“His run and give through the middle of the ground was absolutely amazing for, I think he is 20 or might be 22, very light, but he is a freaky footballer.”

Speaking after the match, Mahoney, in his usual cheery manner, said he was just happy to be part of an interleague win — the young winger was a late call-up for last year’s interleague loss to O&M.

“Awesome to get the win and just so stoked with it,” Mahoney said.

“I don’t think many people gave us much of a chance heading into it, but the group just gelled really well and were able to play our way.

“Happy with my game.

“Reidy (co-coach Sam Reid) gave me the confidence to play my way and take the game on because we had nothing to lose heading into it.

“We were able to link up and play our running style of game, which got the job done.”

After an impressive start to his Goulburn Valley Football League season — Mahoney has averaged 27.4 disposals, 7.3 marks, 5.3 intercept possessions and 4.1 inside 50s across seven games — the young gun seemed to have no difficulty transitioning his game to a higher-level such as interleague.

“It was definitely a step up to the usual GVL senior footy, but I think I adapted to it really well and we were able to get the game on our terms and we played our way for the best part of three quarters.”

Mahoney’s next match is Mansfield’s round eight game against Euroa (for any potential scouts out there).