Cora Lynn continued their march towards finals with a thumping win over Garfield, pouring yet more misery on the latter’s season.
The Cobras were untouchable in the first half of the game as they powered away to record a 22.10 (142) to 7.5 (42) win.
Nathan Gardiner topped the scoresheet with seven goals, while the Briggs boys, both Jaxon and Heath, were in rare form as they terrorised the Garfield midfielders and backmen on a consistent basis.
Cora Lynn set up the massive victory with a blistering nine goal first term, blowing the margin out beyond 50 points before the first change of ends. A further eight goals to one in the second term had it hovering just below 100 points at the half, leaving some of the competition’s stats fans to wonder if there might be a new record for winning margins on the way.
To the Stars’ credit though, their effort showed plenty of improvement when they came back out, led by the likes of Matt Jones and Angus Emery.
Somewhat surprisingly, Garfield actually managed to win the second half by three points. However, given the state of the game, the fact that Cora Lynn took the foot off the pedal was hardly a surprise.
Match review via Warragul Drouin Gazette, written by Nicholas Duck
The Taylor boys were waxing again as if it was their backyard, with Billy leading the charge with three first quarter goals. Brothers Jack and Max Blake were having a day out as well as the new look backline was being superbly led by Mark Griffin and Levi Robinson in particular.
The Dalyston boys came out fighting in the third, with Mason Storr and Michael Harris providing plenty of drive and Musa Amin and Max Connell being elusive.
A couple of Dalyston goals stung the Bulldogs back into action, with Cam Pedersen and Zac Vernon in particular being strong, and stand-in captain Kimber back to his best on the ball.
Eli Richards was continuing his recent superb form, and Jordy Patullo was having a great battle on his wing.
Coach Vernon laid down a three-quarter time challenge – a score of 170 plus points, which seemed a tall order.
With the locals activating their brand-new lights the last quarter was played in something resembling broad sunshine!
The challenge worked. Appreciating the lighted conditions, the Taylors, Max Blake, and Pedersen dominated the last, Jack Papas bobbed up for a couple as the plucky Magpies tired.
A last quarter 11 goal blitz saw the final margin of 140 points.
Killy-Bass were up for the fight though, winning centre clearances and surging the ball forward as Nathan Foote and Taylor Gibson looked lively early, combining for some great plays going forward.
The hosts continued to put the pressure on and finally broke through with their first major, off the boot of Gibson, following a brilliant coast to coast passage.
The Sea Eagles looked as though they were going to blow the Panthers off the park throughout the first term, although struggled with accuracy, kicking just one goal and eight behinds, taking a slim five-point lead into quarter time.
IK lifted their play around the ground to kick off the second term but continued to frustrate the Sea Eagle faithful with more skill errors, particularly in front of goal, it was as though the whole team had ‘the yips’.
The hosts took great advantage of IK’s uncharacteristic lack of polish and increased the heat on the ball, as the contest became quite fiery.
The visitors started up the third quarter in sensational fashion, winning the centre clearance thanks to some slick work from Marcus and Oscar Toussaint and gun recruit Ethan Park. The hosts kept pressing hard and were keen on making the premiership contending Sea Eagles work for every last possession.
Although try as they might to score, they just could not seem to get past Michael Eales in defence for IK, tackling with ferociousness and intercepting everything that came his way.
The hosts were being led by the dominance of Dale Gawley, who was giving them everything, showing he is a real weapon in the ruck, as his running ability and skills make him more likened to a ‘fourth midfielder’.
IK continued to gather plenty of footy, but just could not put their opponents away, their inaccuracy still affecting them through-out the third term. Toby Mahoney slotted his first for IK as they extended their lead to 44 in rainy conditions at three quarter time.
The final term started with a rough contest inside as neither side scored through the first five minutes. Although the third placed IK finally found their groove, moving the ball untouched from the back pocket for another major.
Lewis Rankin was huge for IK, holding Panther’s spearhead Gibson to just one goal as the Sea Eagles ran away with a 61-point victory.
Kooweerup has chalked up three-consecutive wins for the first time this season with an 18.13.121 to 9.5.59 home victory over Korumburra-Bena.
The Demons were well held by the Giants in the first half, but 12 goals to four after the main break put the issue well-and-truly beyond doubt.
The Demons had three main avenues to goal with Jason Wells booting six, Luke McMaster five, while class conveyance Nathan Voss slotted four.
The Demons have now defeated Dalyston, Garfield and the Giants in quick succession, but take a big step over the next fortnight with the Dusties and Cora Lynn on the horizon.
And while claiming a scalp would be terrific, coach Rhys Nisbet has some bigger picture scenarios in mind.
Setting standards that he drove as a premiership coach at Berwick, is more what he is looking for.
“We sat down before the Dalyston game three weeks ago and we set some goals, not so much on wins and losses, but some goals on numbers on the training track on Tuesday and Thursday nights, just asking everyone to buy in,” Nisbet said.
“We want to take a lot of confidence into next year and that doesn’t mean we have to win the next three games to do that…it’s more
about effort and commitment and taking bits and pieces out of each game.
“It’s about making small improvements and finding consistency, that’s what it’s all about.
“And full credit to the boys, they’ve really bought in and been fantastic.”
Cosi Anagnostou was once again superb for the demons through the midfield, while Josh Westerman and Matt Kennewell stuck to their guns for the Giants.
Match review via Pakenham Gazette, written by David Nagel
The Goon, rebounding from a 13-point loss to Phillip Island, took on a confident Dusties side looking for its fourth win on the bounce.
And a trip to Spencer Street holds no fear for Harmit Singh and his team after a great win over the Goon last year.
The home side played the more efficient football in the early stages of the match, kicking 3.2 to 0.4 in an otherwise pretty even quarter of footy.
Ruckman Eamon Trigg was giving gunmidfielders Trent Armour and Brendan Hermann a good look at the Sherrin, while the Goon’s dangerous front half was looking in very good order.
The Goon then once again capitalised better in the second term, with 4.0 to 1.3 from an equal amount of scoring shots opening up a match-winning 29-point lead.
The Dusties matched motors with the Goon in the second half, but that early conversion lesson would prove costly.
The Dusties had some fine players on the weekend, with lively types like Bailey Beck and Matt Herbert joining local legends Shane Brewster and Luke Walker on an impressive best players list.
But converting, or putting enough pressure on the opposition to not, is something the Dusties will have to fine tune before finals.
They went down by one scoring shot…but 31 points in the end!
The Goon have no such issues, with full forward Dermott Yawney making a sparkling return to the goal square after missing against Phillip Island last week.
Yawney booted seven, and is one player who will be enjoying those subtle little final hints more than most.
Sunny weather, a dry footy, delivery from Armour and Hermann…it’s a scary proposition for the Goons’ finals opponents to deal with.
Armour added three goals to another superlative performance, while Jake Blackwood and Flynn Parker also played important roles in the victory.
Match review via Pakenham Gazette, written by David Nagel
The Gulls held the Bulldogs scoreless in the first quarter on their way to a final score of 18.17.125 to 4.4.28.
The Gulls had plenty to play for, with club stalwart Adam Galea playing his 200th game for the club.
Coach Lachie Gillepsie said ‘Zorba’ was a huge part in the overall fabric of the footy club.
“He means everything to the footy club, he’s a great guy, he’s loyal, and he’s always been the hardest worker in the room,” Gillespie said
“He’s not known was for his brilliant handball or kicking skills, or anything like that, he’s built his reputation on being such an honest, tough and strong guy and such a great character around the club.
“He spent time in the reserves, and won a best and fairest there, and then works his way through to seniors by doing everything right, working his backside off.
“He becomes a multiple-time team of the year member, club captain, a senior best and fairest winner and a member of our team of the last 25 years.
“Zorba’s story is a great one for resilience and becoming the best version of himself that he could possibly be.
“What you see is what you get with Zorba, he doesn’t like the public speaking or being in the limelight, he tells you how it is and he plays his footy the same way.
“He’s integrity could never been questioned…nothing is ever too hard.”
Enough said about this game…Stewie Scanlon kicked five and Brad Butler four on a day that belonged to one man.
Match review via Pakenham Gazette, written by David Nagel
The battle between Trafalgar and Yarragon for the Waterloo Cup didn’t disappoint, with the home side only kicking away late to overcome a persistent Panthers side.
In positive signs for the building Yarragon side, the Panthers kicked out to an eight-point lead early in the final term before the Bloods kicked into gear.
The home side booted the final six goals of the game to win 12-7 (79) to 8-2 (50).
Before the Bloods made their late charge, each side traded blows in an entertaining match to watch. The match between the rivals became willing at times, keeping the umpires on their toes who intervened with 50 penalties at times.
The wide expanses of the Trafalgar ground suited the running Panthers side, the likes of Leigh Diston regularly finding space on the outer wing to set up opportunities.
Still Trafalgar were able to make the most of their opportunities to remain in the contest.
The Panthers scored first through a flying shot from a boundary throw in before a rebound from Matthew Van Schajik found Blake Slater for the immediate response.
A big mark in the middle from Matthew Swenson set up another opportunity as Trafalgar went to the lead.
Damian Allison and Tyler Hotchkin combined through the middle as the Panthers levelled the scores again.
A mark in the pocket and smart finish with a checkside on the siren from Matthew Devon threatened to be the fire starter for the home side, but the Panthers responded early in the second term through a short lead from Harrison Perry.
A running shot saw the Bloods kick clear, only for a double 50 metre penalty gifting Devin Pollock the easiest of goals from the goal square.
A tunnel on a Trafalgar player raised their ire but they would ultimately be rewarded as another double 50 metre penalty resulted in a goal to Blake Radford, the Bloods heading into the sheds with a nine-point advantage.
The sides continued to trade goals in the third term, Perry finding space over the back to reduce the margin for Yarragon.
A left foot snap from the pocket made it consecutive goals for Yarragon, only for Trafalgar to respond with a long goal.
A strong mark gave the Panthers a narrow twopoint advantage at the final change and when Perry waltzed in for the easiest of goals, the Bloods not bothering to man the mark from another 50-metre penalty, an upset loomed.
Tyler Payroli, Sage Tapner, Zak Hogton and Taylor Rainey featured among the Panthers’ best as they looked to finish full of running.
Unfortunately, it would only spark a brutal response from the Bloods, who began to win the ball out of the middle and gain territory.
Swenson, who would finish with three majors, sparked the response before the Bloods rolled one through from the pocket to take the lead.
Dylan Farrell, Mitch Virtue, Damian Mann, Van Schajik, Tristan Marslen and Devon were among the players to stand up when it counted.
From there the Bloods were never headed, Mann marking on the lead and converting to continue the run at the 14-minute mark.
He added another through a diving mark soon after and when Van Schajik charged through the middle to set up another, it ensured there would be no response from the Panthers.
Swenson made good of a second opportunity from similar range as he added the Bloods’ 12th into time on, the home side finishing 29 points to the good despite a very competitive effort from Yarragon.
Match review via Warragul Drouin Gazette, written by Davyd Reid.
Neerim South continued its unbeaten run, comfortably accounting for Nyora.
Chris Urie booted five goals as Luke Kinder and Lachlan Bambridge each finished with three majors, the Cats scoring consistently across the first three terms to head into the final change leading by 70 points.
Kody Wilson, Matthew Edwards, Nathan Bayne, Tyssen Morrow and Josh White also helped the Cats to a winning position.
The Saints put in a competitive final term, booting two goals to three. Their better players were Lachie Fievez, Dylan Heylen, Kallon Rigby, Andrew Dike, Nick Fairbank and Jesse Heylen.
Match review via Warragul Drouin Gazette, written by Davyd Reid.
Buln Buln scored another workmanlike victory to comfortably account for Ellinbank and remain clear in the battle to secure the double chance.
Heading into the contest, the Lyrebirds had conceded on average just 39 points per game and it would again be a miserly defence that was key as the visitor won 8-8 (56) to 3-6 (24).
The match between third and fifth showed promise of a thriller early before the Lyrebirds took control in the second term.
Heading into the match looking to hold their place in the top five, Ellinbank made the perfect start as Tom Johnson snapped truly for the first goal of the game.
Cam McPhan responded with a classy kick from his left foot as the Lyrebirds headed into the first change with a narrow six-point lead.
However the response from newly appointed AFL Gippsland region general manager McPhan would begin a run of five of the next six goals as the Lyrebirds took control over the second and third terms. Daniel Hayes scored for Ellinbank early in the second term to keep the home side in touch, only for multiples to Hayden Baker and one to Matt Gray as the Lyrebirds began to create a buffer.
Matt Stevens marked and goaled from 40 metres and then kicked truly from a snap across his body soon after as the Lyrebirds headed into half time leading by 25 points.
The defensive trio of Jake Herbel, Brandon Allen and Shaun Beecroft proved instrumental in restricting the Eagles as scoring slowed in the second half.
Ellinbank made moves as Ben Wragg and Jake Dean swapped time between midfield and forward, but nothing would come to fruition in the face of the Lyrebird defence.
A long shot from James Fowler broke the deadlock as Buln Buln moved five goals clear.
Missing connection kicking forward had let the Eagles down, but they finally broke through to set up some opportunities late.
Kyah Karavasilis sent Ellinbank forward with Zach Holton winning a free kick for a hold and converting from point blank range.
Daniel Risol marked on the siren, but any charge home would be denied when his shot was deemed to have shaved the post.
A free kick to Buln Bulb coach Bob McCallum 25 metres from goal put the result beyond doubt, his shot proving the final goal of the contest in a dour final term.
Any concerns around Trent Baker leaving the field with a leg injury were eased when he returned to finish among the better players alongside his brother Jake.
Liam Anderson, Gaige White, Johnson, Bryce Joyce, Risol and Thomas Bingham were named among the best for the Eagles.
The result saw Ellinbank momentarily surrender their position in the top five, Lang Lang now having the slightest percentage advantage, although the Eagles have a slightly more favourable run home.
Match review via Warragul Drouin Gazette, written by Davyd Reid.
Russell Lehman returned as Longwarry scored a confidence boosting win over Catani.
The Crows could have won by a greater margin had it been for greater accuracy, finishing 14-26 (110) to 8-6 (54).
The inaccuracy kept the Blues in the contest in the first half, 10 behinds the difference at quarter time and 11 behinds the difference at half time.
The Crows booted six goals in the third term to open a handy 41-ppint buffer at the final change before finishing with three goals to one.
Bailey Stephens, Hamish Busk, Ben Cuckson, Nicholas Redley, Lehman and Clancy Pope led the Crows to victory.
Thomas Keily booted four goals for the Blues with James, Dylan and Brett Williams, Michael Ralph and Lachlan Free also among the better players.
Match review via Warragul Drouin Gazette, written by Davyd Reid.
Drouin had been in this situation before. In what has been a difficult year on the field for the seniors side, the Hawks went into the three quarter time huddle on enemy territory against Bairnsdale not just in the game, but poised to win it with a sixpoint advantage.
It was a similar situation that had happened earlier in the year, in other games such as their first meeting with the Redlegs, their home game against Moe and their away match at Maffra. In all of those games, the Hawks had let their opportunities slip and found themselves on the wrong end of the final result.
But not this time. This time, Drouin kept a cool head, took every chance they were given and almost totally deprived their opponents of any, kicking four goals to none in the final term to win their second game of the season 14.14 (98) to 10.5 (65).
The victory broke an 11-game losing streak for the side, and was a much-needed and well-deserved result for a team that has made some important strides in challenging circumstances.
Cambell Jolly was the standout up forward with four goals, while Tom Barr enjoyed a day out in the middle, clearly enjoying the expansive size of the Bairnsdale City Oval wings.
He wasn’t the only one either, as Drouin’s strategy of spreading the ball as much as they could and using their natural leg speed to outpace their opponents paid dividends.
The Hawks this year certainly aren’t the tallest team in it, necessitating the use of their strengths, which includes their running ability. And boy, did they run.
By the end of the game, a lot of the Bairnsdale players were out on their feet, contributing to the collapse they experienced in the final quarter.
In a strange way, the Hawks have often found things easier on some of their away trips, as their use of the wings has at times been constricted by the narrow nature of their home ground. On a field like Bairnsdale’s, the Hawks’ run and carry was allowed to flow, giving them the ability to play their own way, and not be forced into playing the opposition’s.
This was, of course, helped by the strength of the Drouin backline, who were able to keep the majority of the Redlegs’ forwards goalless and set up multiple fast rebounds.
Coach Jordan Kingi formed a formidable team in the defensive 50 with likes of Joseph Collins, Timothy Hancock and Ryan Taylor, the latter of whom has clearly made an impact since returning from injury.
And while they were unable to keep Bairnsdale star Logan Austin quiet, unlike the last time they met, the other Redlegs forwards were unable to factor into the equation. Austin finished the game with five of his team’s 10 goals, such was their reliance upon him.
And once the Hawks were able to finally get on top of his influence, Bairnsdale wilted.
Before the final term though, the game was definitely up for grabs for both teams. The first half was not one for fans of highly skilled affairs, as turnovers were a constant issue for both sides.
This was far from unexpected though, given the ladder positioning of the teams involved. But, given there was a golden opportunity to take a highly desired win in a season somewhat bereft of them for both sides, intensity was certainly at a high.
The Hawks had the better of the first half, taking a 10-point lead into half time. And that momentum initially seemed to carry into the second half, where they increased their lead early and appeared to be in a position to go on with it.
The Redlegs struck back, dragging themselves back into the contest late and leaving the game on a knife-edge at three quarter time.
Jordan Kingi, speaking to his troops, encouraged them to keep calm, to play to their strengths and to play with dare. They didn’t let him down.
The final term was some of the finest footy Drouin has played this year, as they took control of both the ball and the game. Their contest work was immaculate and, as the Redlegs players tired from having to chase their opponents all day, the Hawks capitalised, spreading the ball, hitting targets inside 50 and making them count.
They could have won by more, kicking 4.5 in the final term, but it was clear from the play around the ground that they wouldn’t be made to regret it. There was no more Redlegs resistance. Without Austin being able to find the space he needed, Bairnsdale couldn’t find any other way through the dour Drouin defence.
And, by the time the final siren sounded, the Hawks players rejoiced. Weeks of torment were behind them, and the improvement they’ve shown throughout the course of the year finally got them over the line. It’s one thing for a young side in the early stages of a rebuild to show their development and have honourable losses, but these results are the kind that can reinforce that what they’re doing is working, and can be used as a base for future endeavours.
Coach Jordan Kingi was full of praise for his side, in particular the way they had stuck through things over the last few weeks in which his side had been thumped on more than one occasion.
“This year’s obviously been tough, but to the blokes who played, to their credit, they’ve really adapted,” Kingi said.
“We’ve been competitive for a lot of time in the games we’ve played without getting the result, and after a the last couple of weeks we definitely could have folded in, but the boys hung in there. All credit to the boys, honestly.”
With Kingi’s tenure as head coach coming to an end this season, he also said he was looking forward to the next few years and getting to focus more on his own footy.
“I’ve loved (coaching), I couldn’t thank the club more for the opportunity,” he said.
“We’ve got some good promising sides coming through in the juniors. The future’s bright for us, we just have to make sure we stick together. That’s what really great clubs do, they make sure everyone’s united and together and we have to make sure we do that.”
If sticking together is the goal for the club now, with results like the one on the weekend there’s no reason to say they can’t achieve it.
Match review via Warragul Drouin Gazette, written by Nicholas Duck
The Eagles hit the lead right at the death against Morwell, and held on to win by three points.
The result had instant ramifications for both sides, with the visitors climbing back into the top five after their victory.
Had Morwell won, they would have gone two games clear into the top five, and Maffra’s season could have been effectively shot.
Instead, the Eagles live to fight another day.
For at least 90 per cent of the game, the Tigers looked to have the match won, however, poor conversion in front of goal allowed Maffra to stay in the contest.
By half-time, Morwell had registered 21 scoring shots to nine, but led by only 22 points.
A stalemate played out in the third, with both sides only managing one goal, with the Tigers ahead by 15 points heading into the last.
Tensions boiled over as teams made their way to their respective huddles, the fallout of which saw two very different outcomes.
From all reports, the quarrel fired Maffra up, while Morwell became slightly rattled.
The Eagles then kicked 4.3 (23) in the last term, and kept the Tigers to 1.3 (9) to steal victory from the jaws of defeat.
In the eyes of most, Maffra had no right to win the match, but the cool heads of Ed and Alex Carr, along with John Butcher (four goals), ensured the Eagles stayed composed during the frantic last few minutes.
Young gun Tom Jolly kicked five for the winners, while Jack Challands was voted best-on, and was closely followed by David Adams.
Tristen Waack continued his stellar form, and was best for Morwell. Others to play well were Archie Grant, Boyd Bailey, Brandon Mcauliffe, James Jacobsen and Tyler Brown.
Match review via Latrobe Valley Express/Gippsland Times, written by Liam Durkin.
The Magpies catapulted to second spot on the ladder after massacring Moe by 140 points at Sale Oval.
The Lions hadn’t won at Sale Oval since 2002, and it became clear early in the third quarter another year was going to be added to this drought.
Not long after the ball was held aloft to start the game, Sale had a goal on the board, the first of what ended up being a final scoreboard reading 26.16 (172) to 4.6 (30).
Moe showed some resistance in the first-half, and trailed by 41 points at the main break, before the wheels well and truly fell off.
Sale kicked eight goals to none in the third term, and then 10 goals to two in the last.
Truthfully, the Magpies treated the Lions as witches’ hats in the second half.
The word ‘clinical’ was probably the best description of how Sale went about its business, as they dominated possession and continually surged the ball forward.
The Magpies’ skill level and presence of mind was top shelf, to the extent they constantly seemed to be toying with their opponents. Ryan Pendlebury exemplified this, at times shaping to handball, only to then have acres of space in which to kick having sold the dummy.
Play-of-the-day resulted in a bizarre outcome, after a crafty handball from Jarrod Freeman in the forward pocket in front of the Past Players Hill, set up a path for Tom Campbell to snap the ball through. The only problem was the snap was called a behind, despite the fact the ball clearly went through for a goal.
For Moe, this was their only win for the day, and shaved five points off the final margin.
Campbell ended up being credited with five goals, while Jesse Collins, Jack McLaren and Shannen Lange each kicked three.
Moe’s plan to tag Lange backfired completely, as he was voted best-on-ground.
Collins and McLaren also played well, as did the Leslie brothers, Will and Jack, and Pat Tainsh.
For Moe, defender Brock Smith was kept busy, and battled manfully, while Scott Van Dyk, Ben Morrow, James Blaser, Ben Maslen and Grady Cocksedge did likewise.
If the scoreboard wasn’t a reflection of how one-sided the contest was, the sight of Moe players looking exhausted post-game, while one Sale player was heard to say they “didn’t even break into a sweat”, surely painted a clear picture.
Having put together as close to a complete performance as one would hope to see, Magpies’ coach Jack Johnstone was understandably pleased with how his side played.
“We knew that it was going to be tight early on, but if we kept our pressure up, eventually the game could blow out,” he said.
“You know what you are going to get out of your Shannen Langes and Jack Leslies, but Mitchy Bown and Cooper Whitehill, Jake Hutchins coming in off the back line, there is a lot of pressure from this young group, it has been nice to see the older guys take a step back.”
Match review via Latrobe Valley Express/Gippsland Times, written by Liam Durkin.
Fish Creek’s chances of competing in the finals were very slim, almost nil, prior to their clash with MDU on the weekend.
All that was needed by the Kangaroos to keep the dream alive was to keep winning, and that is exactly what they did, Fish Creek 12.8-80 to MDU 9.5-59.
“Terrific to win a close one this week,” a satisfied Fish Creek coach John Danckert said. “Really pleased for the boys. It’s been a frustrating year, but to hit some form late is reward for some hard work.”
Although it seems that the Kangaroos’ run has come a little late, at least it’s there and a tremendous foundation from which to build a 2023 season.
MDU too, it must be said, continues to show all the signs of a side on the way up.
Coach Peter Harris reflected on a “cracking game of footy”.
“Unfortunately, we made some skill errors that Fishy were able to capitalise on late,” Harris said. “Boys played a great brand of footy that we should be proud of. Need the bye next week with plenty of sore boys after today’s contest.”
Match review via multiple publications, written by Rob Popplestone.
Of all the sides outside the top six, Yinnar would quite possibly be the most dangerous if given the chance to take part in finals. The Magpies have mixed it with, and beaten, some of the best only to be cruelly beaten on a handful of occasions by less than a kick.
Those close losses during the season not only denied them a position much further up the ladder, but also had them fighting for their lives against Hill End on the weekend.
The Magpies did it again, Hill End winning narrowly 7.8-50 to Yinnar 7.6-48.
Hill End coach Mike Santo said his team played patches of really good footy, but overall believed Yinnar outworked them over the four quarters.
“They (Yinnar) came home hard and they played like their season was on the line,” Santo said. “We only did in patches, which was disappointing.”
“Some individual brilliance from Aaron Fawcett and Ambu Uliando allowed us to get the win over a hungrier team.
“Although we don’t have the budgets of the Newborough’s and Foster’s of the league, talent still isn’t our issue. It’s concentration and a desire to work harder than the opponents.
“In saying that, it’s really encouraging to lock in a finals spot with that win,” Santo said.
Yinnar coach Daniel Taylor couldn’t fault his team’s effort on Saturday.
“We brought a negative game plan as I knew it was the only way we could hang in there,” Taylor said. “To the boys’ credit, they stuck to it and it kept us in the game.”
“Unfortunately, it’s our third loss in a row by under a kick. Really proud of the boys’ effort but unfortunately we came up short. That’s footy.”
“We crawl into the bye which is really needed. We should get eight or nine blokes back, but we’re now relying on results to go our way which is never how you want it to be.”
Match review via multiple publications, written by Rob Popplestone.
With a fair bit of heat below both teams, a win was crucial as the Tigers arrived at the Kennel.
The clash didn’t disappoint, with the visitors surprising the home side favourites with a 27-point victory, 17.11-131 to 12.14-86.
Foster coach Sam Davies said it was a big day for his side against a very good Newborough.
“It took a quarter to get the play on our terms, but I thought we were super for quarters two, three and four,” reflected Davies. “It’s nice for the playing group to see what our best looks like. Discipline and experience adds up.”
The good news for Foster spells danger for Newborough, with the Bulldogs dropping from second spot to third, and some work to do over the next few weeks.
After another good start, Newborough coach Craig Skinner felt his team had control of the game early.
“Maybe that was the problem, because midway through the second quarter there was a momentum shift,” Skinner said. “At half-time, we knew we were going to be in a fight after losing Zac Skinner for the day and struggling to find answers as to why we were being beaten in so many areas of the ground. Sam and Foster earned their win today and have some serious firepower up forward now. They will be the most dangerous come finals.”
Match review via multiple publications, written by Rob Popplestone.
Stony Creek were under no illusions as to what was required in their clash with Toora, it was win or nothing. A win to keep them in touch with the top six, a loss and it was all over.
The Lions, hoping some above them falter under the pressure and provide an unlikely opportunity for them to pounce, scored a convincing victory, 20.20-140 to Toora’s 5.5-35.
We were able to control a lot of play,” reflected Stony Creek coach Jay Accardi. “But, if you take the scoreline out of it, to the Toora boys’ credit they didn’t give up and had a real dip all match. The job gets a fair bit tougher next week when we head to Tarwin.”
An unlikely win against Tarwin, would have the Lions well positioned to steal a spot late in the league’s top six.
The Magpies, on the other hand, didn’t expect a lot going into the game, but it is probably fair to say they expected more than what they got.
“Taking an undermanned side in to Stony Creek was always going to present a challenge, and it proved true on the weekend,” Toora coach Matthew Ponton said. “Our effort and two way running picked up in the second half, but our skills were poor to say the least and we didn’t pressure our opponents up to the standard of senior football. All in all, a poor day from our side.”
Best players for Toora included Jake McFarland, Jake Weston and Jessie Biemans, but the Magpies still need plenty more contributors to win games.
Match review via multiple publications, written by Rob Popplestone.
Morwell East arrived at Thorpdale confident of success but, more importantly, wanting to play the style of footy that would have them competitive against the better teams of the MGFNL.
Hit and miss for most of the season, the Hawks’ inconsistency had put in doubt their chances of a place in finals.
However, Morwell East delivered a clear message they want to play finals football, scoring 18.7-121 to Thorpdale’s 9.7-61.
“We wanted to take control early and luckily we did just that,” Morwell East coach Devon Soutar said.
“Despite a mediocre second quarter, we were able to put the game to bed early in the third, which gave us enough breathing room to somewhat cruise to the line.”
The pressure remains on the Hawks as they continue to fight fiercely for a finals position, while for Thorpdale the frustration of not being able to put together four full quarters remains.
“Some great passages of footy, but once again can’t sustain it longer than a quarter,” Thorpdale coach Ray Pickering said. “When we stick to the plan, we can more than hold our own.”That remains the secret for the Blues as they head towards season’s end. Teams shouldn’t be taking Thorpdale too easy, as they are capable of bobbing their head up when you least expect it.
Match review via multiple publications, written by Rob Popplestone.
Sale City’s chances of maintaining their coveted spot in the top five on the North Gippsland table took a hit at the selection table prior to the weekend’s clash with Yarram, when Sam Davidson (hamstring injury) and Ben Chivers (knee) were unable to be considered.
Yarram too was missing a few players, but they seemingly had the superior line-up available, and that is precisely how the game played out, with the Demons winning by 52 points.
A five-goal to one first term and four-goal to two second term saw the travelling Demons enter the long break with a more than healthy five goal plus lead.
On the back of Dan Vardy’s dominance, teammate Corbin Sutherland reporting that the ruckman won virtually every tap out, Yarram were able to get the ball forward at will, and with Josh Swift (six goals) having a day out in front of the big sticks, things got harder for the home side after half-time.
Sutherland himself slotted three from a wing, and with Boadie Motton hitting the scoreboard to go with what Sutherland suggested was at least 40 possessions, the game was done by the last change when Yarram led by north of 50 points.
Ben Brett, Jack Heywood and Mitch Evans managed multiple goals for the tri-colours, but it was too little, too late when they managed to match Yarram on the scoreboard in the last.
The Wildcats, according to coach Michael Duncan, found some of their best form on Saturday, playing their “most complete game since round one” when they steamrolled Glengarry by a huge 116 points.
A whopping 10 Wildcats kicked majors, with Bailey Tatnell and David Waddel slotting three apiece, while Zac Richards booted a career-best five.
For Glengarry, only Spencer Poulton managed multiple goals with two, in an effort that must leave the coaching panel scratching their heads. The Pies’ best has proven to be competitive for large parts of games with sides in and around the top three, so how they could cough-up 152 points to the league’s sixth-best side while only managing five goals themselves must be frustrating beyond belief.
Things looked somewhat easier for Gormandale when Yallourn Yallourn North skipper and gun full-forward Dean MacDonald was not listed in the team Thursday night.
However come Saturday, D Mac pulled on the jumper and set about kicking the lazy 10 majors. Ably assisted by his wingman Keenan Hughes, who slotted seven, the Jets managed to run away 229 point winners.
The Jets held Gormandale to just one goal for the day, and kept them scoreless in both the second and final terms in what was a complete one-sided affair.
For Gormandale, Kodie Owen continued his excellent recent form with another best-on performance, but with Isaac Copland the only goal scorer, there was little to be positive about for the Tigers.
Sitting a relatively comfortable five percentage points in front of Gormandale in second-last place is Cowwarr.
They too were soundly beaten Saturday, but managed to at least hit the scoreboard a few times when going down to TTU by 130 points.
Kade Duncan was named best-on for the Bombers for his efforts on the wing, while midfield weapons Mitch Mustoe and Michael Jacobsen joined Hendricken, rounding out the Bombers’ best four players.
For the Warr, it was all singles with Jack Casson, Wayne Swan and Matt Bourke listed as their best.
Heyfield blow Rosedale out of the water early, and then maintain a healthy break across the next three quarters to run out 44-point winners.
With Leigh Brown and Wayne Knight dominant up front – the duo finished with seven between them – the Kangaroos were never seriously challenged.
For Rosedale, Declan Barnett and Frazar Brouns kicked two each, but after the first quarter it was all academic.
Rohan Diamond joined Barnett as the Blues best pair on the park for the visitors.
DIVISION TWO
Warragul Industrials won by forfeit over Seaford 2nds
Bass Coast Breakers 3.4.22
Edithvale-Aspendale 2.1.13
BEST: Chelsea Connell, Stacey Poke, Kate Caughey, Oona Shepherd, Ahlee Penry, Hannah Mills
GOALS: Kate Caughey 3.
DIVISION THREE
Warragul Industrials Development Team won by forfeit over Pines.
Lang Lang 21.30.156
Fountain Gate 0.0.0
BEST: Hayley Dyer, Bree van Dord, Tara Barclay, Emily Lesjak, Unknown player, Sunday Denny
GOALS: Bree van Dord 5, Hayley Dyer Unknown Player 4, Tara Barclay Emily Lesjak 2, Tiah Cavigan Stacie Clarke Sam Cobb 1.
Foster 3.4.22
Lindenow South 6.3.39
BEST:
Foster: Bonnie-Rose Waters, Ella Carr, Lois Rodger, Chloe Dodd, Chantelle Waters, Katie Jones
Lindenow South: Jackie Elliott, Latisha Saunders, Liesel Nunn, Sharna Watkins, Hayli Marum, Shannon Gotthold
GOALS:
Foster: Unavailable
Lindenow South: Unavailable
BYE: Moe-Newborough
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