Sport
24 April, 2026
Twigg takes control and Addlem’s speed earns top club votes
ELEVEN individual goalkickers against Calivil showed that Bears Lagoon Serpentine can hit the scoreboard in the absence of star spearhead Josh Mellington.
The Bears brought the Demons back to reality with an 85-point belting after Calivil began the season with its first win since 2024.
With the competition’s best ruckman, Nathan Twigg, controlling the hit outs and giving his midfielders first use of the ball, Serp was in control from the start.
Young onballer Jaxon Addlem showed his speed and skills to be the Bears’ best player, while strong marking Corey Wanganeen, who made his debut after transferring from the indigenous team Fitzroy Stars, highlighted that he will be a valuable acquisition to the forward line.
Serp really hit its straps in the second half after leading by 31 points at the main break, adding 11 goals to Calivil’s three.
The consistent Henry McCarthy sits fourth on the league goalkicking ladder after his four majors, with vice-captain Cody Thompson adding two.
The Bears pushed four-time premiers Marong in round one, indicating that they will be in the finals mix. Mellington may return this week after a protracted recovery from two post-season surgeries in 2025.
It will be interesting to see how the forward line functions with the stay-at-home former Fremantle player back in the side, given his insistence on being the prime focus of his side’s attacks.