Rovers break free in tough tussle

The Port Hedland Rovers emerged victorious from a ferocious scrap with crosstown rivals South Hedland Swans as part of a special Anzac Day round of North Pilbara Football League action.

With scores tied at half-time, the Rovers eventually managed to kick away to a three-goal win 9.14 (68) to 6.14 (50).

Playing on the Friday night before Anzac Day, both teams marked the occasion by lining up before the first bounce to observe the playing of the Last Post in front of a big crowd.

Swans coach Troy Melville told his players Anzac Day games were a reflection of "what we as Australians are about".

"It brings together two teams going on to the field to have a real tough encounter and at the end of the day shaking hands and having a beer afterwards," he said.

"And it was a hard-fought game - I've bumped into a few boys from both sides over the last couple of days who are carrying a few bruises."

Melville also lauded his side for showing fight after they pegged back the Rovers' early lead to level the scores at half-time at 4.7 each.

He said the wind and the battle to put first hands on the footy were decisive factors.

"It was interesting to watch, you could see both sides implementing the same game plan and it was a case of who could get control of the footy," he said.

Despite the Rovers again setting the pace in the third and fourth term, the Swans still had their chances, but were let down by their inaccuracy kicking for goal.

"We probably got control of the footy back in the last term, we just couldn't execute on the scoreboard," Melville said. "We won the inside-50s but we butchered the footy looking for a forward."

Melville said Curtly Meow, Curtly Geary and Eric Snook were all good for the Swans as they rotated through the midfield, while Trevor Dhu was a rock in the backline.

Melville, in his first year with the Swans after crossing from an assistant's role with the Rovers, said he still held high hopes, despite dropping the first two games.

"They've been honourable losses … but at the same time we've improved," he said.

"We're a bit behind in our pre-season build-up … but we're going to be stronger in the second half of the year as we get blokes used to the style of footy and roles we want them to play."

In the reserves, the Rovers also claimed the victory, winning 10.2 (62) to 6.7 (43).