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Though finals are out of reach for Bunyip, revenge certainly wasn’t, as the Bulldogs managed to prevail in a thriller over Kilcunda Bass.
It didn’t always appear that would be the case though, as it took a late comeback from the home side to take the win 9.5 (59) to 7.13 (55).
In fact, in what had been a rather dour, low-scoring affair, the Bulldogs actually managed to more than double their score in the final term. They kicked five goals after having managed just four through the first three quarters to overpower the Panthers.
It would have undoubtedly been a sweet victory for the home side. They were ambushed the last time these sides met in round nine, with their shock defeat in that match arguably setting them on a slide down the ladder and out of finals contention after some strong early-season form.
Dylan Gallasch and Matthew O’Halloran both kicked two goals to be the only multiple goalkickers for Bunyip, as Chris Thuring and Ryan Quirk were a driving force behind the Bulldogs’ late surge.
For their part, Kilcunda Bass were left to regret having not been able to shut the door on Bunyip, as multiple misses in front of goal came back to bite them.
At half time, the Panthers had actually more than doubled the number of scoring shots of their opponents, but due to some inaccuracy led by just 17 points. It meant that the Bulldogs were left with a sniff, and after trimming the margin back to 11 at three quarter time, the late surge was enough to see them get the win.
Bunyip will take some confidence out of the win, but with Phillip Island looming next week, they’ll have to make sure they keep up the form they showed in that final term.
Match review via Warragul Drouin Gazette, written by Nicholas Duck.
Cora Lynn spearhead Nathan Gardiner kicked six goals as the Cobras locked away a finals berth with a 14.15.99 to 7.5.47 victory over Dalyston.
Scores were level at quarter time, but the Cobras slammed home 7.5 to 2.1 in the second term in the defining period of the contest.
Youngster Luke Ryan continues to shine for the Cobras, while Jeremy Monckton will welcome Kooweerup’s wingers to the Cobradome this week in very impressive form.
Matt Howell was best for the Magpies.
Match review via Pakenham Gazette, written by David Nagel.
Nearly six goals down at the start of the last quarter and on enemy territory. No chance, right? Not according to the Warragul Industrials.
The Dusties have pulled off the comeback win of the season, coming from the clouds to pip Koo wee rup at the post and seal their spot in the finals.
After being subject to yet another Jason Wells masterclass for the first three quarters, the Dusties came roaring back into the game in the final term, kicking six goals to one to ultimately win a heartstopper 10.12 (72) to 10.10 (70).
Prior to that final term though, it looked like for all money that the Demons would be coming out on top and keeping their slim finals chances alive. Koo wee rup were cleaner with the ball, up and about with their pressure and looking generally solid. But more than anything else, they had Jason Wells.
Wells, who had tormented the Dusties defence when the two sides met earlier this year, picked up exactly where he left off, dominating aerially and still looking dangerous when the ball hit the deck. Of his side’s eventual 10 goals, he would end up kicking seven of them.
It wasn’t just him though, as Matthew Voss, Nathan Muratore and Brodie Yapp were all enjoying outstanding days at the office. At three quarter time, the home side was up by 29 points, which would be extended early in the final term.
From there though, the belief the Dusties have built all season came to the forefront. Kyle Staples found himself as an unlikely generator in the forward half, finishing with three goals, while the likes of Todd Beck and Anthony Bruhn turned the tide in the middle.
It all meant the Dusties, who had struggled to string together their best footy for most of the day, came charging home, booting the final six goals of the game before holding on grimly in the last few minutes to seal a famous victory.
Match review via Warragul Drouin Gazette, written by Nicholas Duck.
Dermott Yawney was the star of the show at Spencer Street, with the Nar Nar Goon full-forward bagging nine goals in a 25.15.165 to 0.1.1 demolition job of Korumburra-Bena.
The decline of the Giants is a story for another day, but Yawney’s feast and four goals to former dangerman Jake Smith were highlights of the one-way traffic.
Kyle O’Sullivan, Brendan Hermann and Trent Armour were terrific through the midfield, in a game that was hardly the ideal preparation for a visit to a rebounding Tooradin this week.
Match review via Pakenham Gazette, written by David Nagel.
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If Buln Buln hadn’t already been considered by pundits as the best chance of challenging ladder leaders Neerim-Neerim South, a strong win over Trafalgar on Saturday goes close to confirming it.
With the contest played on a heavy surface, the Lyrebirds worked to a comfortable buffer across the first three terms before putting the Bloods away with a five-goal final quarter to win 11-12 (78) to 4-5 (29).
While David Van Schajik lined up for senior game number 50 for Trafalgar, Buln Buln also entered the contest with motivation for a strong performance to establish themselves as a contender.
After playing predominantly forward in previous weeks, coach Bob McCallum started in the ruck but his main impact was had forward, putting through the first goal from a free kick from a stoppage.
Matt Stevens snapped from the pocket but Trafalgar would hit back to stay in touch at the first change, Damian Mann converting from a free kick for a hold.
The Bloods continued the pressure to begin the second term however the Lyrebirds would remain composed.
Jackson Kos, Brandon Allen and Trent Baker combined to clear the advances, but unfortunately Jack Symes was missed on the lead.
McCallum converted again from the pocket before Hayden Baker converted from a free kick.
An opportunity was missed when Reece Campbell’s pleas for Tim Stoll to give it to him from centre half forward were ignored, but when Symes rolled one through from the pack, it set up a handy 26-point buffer at the long break.
A dour third term ensued as each side added one goal. Jared Lane sent the ball forward as Matt Gray left the ball for a mark to McCallum over the back as he put through his third.
Trafalgar would give themselves the barest of chances as Darcy Brook combined with Mann to put through the second for the visitor.
Dylan Farrell, Mitch Virtue, Blake Slater, Blake Radford, Jace Butler and Mann, who would ultimately finish with all of Trafalgar’s goals, were leading the effort to keep the Bloods in touch.
Good defence from the likes of Allen and Jake Herbel ensured the Bloods would be denied time and again, allowing the Lyrebirds to eventually break away.
A running checkside from Cam McPhan quickly arrested any Trafalgar momentum, with a long goal from Baker re-establishing a comfortable margin.
Two goals from Mann were punctuated by a running shot from Baker to help the home side maintain their advantage.
Gray flew over the pack to convert from the pocket to cap a strong 49-point margin for the home side.
Match review via Warragul Drouin Gazette, written by Davyd Reid.
Entering round 17 outside the Ellinbank District football top five, Ellinbank needed to deliver a strong result over a struggling Catani.
They proved up to the task, stepping it up after the half time break to press the advantage to re- establish a handy four point and 25 percentage point buffer to the sixth-placed Lang Lang.
Despite winning by 107-points, the Eagles could have added more percentage had it been for a better return than 17-20 (122).
The scoring woes continued for the Blues, finishing with 2-3 (15).
Keeping the home side scoreless in the first term, the Eagles headed into the first change leading by 26-point buffer.
They continued to build, taking a handy 40-point buffer into half time.
With control of the contest, the Eagles pressed the advantage in the second half.
Six goals in the third term well and truly had the match in their keeping and they kept their foot on the throat, adding five majors in the final term.
Missing coach Ben Wragg did little to hault the charge as Daniel Risol and Jaxon Notman each kicked three goals.
Gaige White, Bryce Joyce, Timothy Farthing, Liam Anderson and Daniel Hayes also featured among the better players.
The Blues were best served by Dylan Williams, James Williams, Brad Adams, Michael Ralph, Thomas Keily and Casey Hamilton.
Match review via Warragul Drouin Gazette, written by Davyd Reid.
Neerim South continued its unbeaten record as the Cats proved too strong for an undermanned Lang Lang.
Missing several key players, the Tigers simply couldn’t go with the ladder leaders as they fell to a 18-17 (125) to 7-9 (51) loss, crashing out of the top five in the process.
With leading goal kicker Daniel Lewis sunning himself in far north Queensland, scores would prove hard to come by for the Tigers despite restricting the Cats early through good pressure.
With coach Josh Collie and key play makers Jacob Patullo, Brett Kirkham and Brad Aldwell all out, the Tigers would be up against it.
The battle to qualify for finals is now made harder for Lang Lang, although the Cats also took out some concerns as leading goal kicker Chris Urie took no further part from the second quarter.
Urie returned to the bench in a tracksuit, but pleasingly small forward Luke Kinder stood up to finish with nine majors.
The Tigers stood up early but struggled to score, the Cats scoring first when Justin Lockett waltzed through the forward 50.
Kinder marked and converted as the Cats moved further ahead before a late first quarter charge saw the home side take control.
Goals to Kody Wilson, Isaac Fuller and Lachlan Guy pushed the margin beyond six goals.
Mitchell Tribuzi scored from a free kick for a hold on the siren, but the Cats would continue their charge in the second term.
Lachlan Bambridge found Kinder who sold the dummy to add his third, who backed it up again soon after with a clean gather, turn and go to put through the Cats’ eighth.
Liam Hetherington scored from point blank range for the Tigers but it did little to stem the tide, Brock Dorling capitalising on a turnover for the Cats’ ninth.
A goal from Bambridge took the margin to 49 points at the long break, Nathan Bayne playing a good game on his birthday with Matthew Edwards also stepping up.
Kinder would add another two goals in the third, his second a superb kick from a 45-degree angle, before the plucky Tigers hit back to see the term finish on level pegging.
Tribuzi ran inside 50 for their third before Sean Dwyer, who had been kept quiet by Cooper Clancy early, capitalised on a turnover for goal of the day.
Joshua Brown, Jesse Hand, Lachlan Barwick and Luke Clark stepped up in a competitive effort from the Tigers.
Their competitive run would come to an end as Cats coach Brent Mounsey reminded his charges they could ill afford to get ahead of themselves, with work still to be done.
Kinder and Bambridge added to their tallies, while Tribuzi put through his third.
Kinder soon had his ninth as the Cats began to look for him, but unfortunately a charge to double figures would ultimately be denied.
The Tigers would add a late consolation goal, a bad bounce going against Alex Johnson as Liam Edgar converted from 25 metres to be rewarded for his hard work in the ruck.
Match review via Warragul Drouin Gazette, written by Davyd Reid.
Nyora held a 16-point lead at half time with Dylan Heylen leading from the front and being in charge.
Travis Stewart in the ruck was holding his own against ex Nyora ruckman Nick Carrigy.
Other players to be performing well were Nick Fairbank, Kel Rigby and Aiden Simmons.
In the third quarter, Nyora broke loose kicking nine goals to two with Taylar Gard and Marvin Sellars kicking three each for the quarter.
Travis Stewart took a hanger and helped himself to two goals for the quarter, while Jesse Heylen was among the action playing on ball as was Adam Pugh.
In the last quarter, Nyora kicked away again, scoring a very good win with all players contributing across the ground.
BYE: Longwarry, Yarragon, Poowong
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It became a surprisingly one-sided affair, with the Tigers’ 1-point win over Wonthaggi in round 7 suggestinga good contest was on the cards.
After sweeping aside the Tigers by 69 points, the Power now sits third on the ladder, just percentage behind second placed Sale, having not been defeated in the last four rounds and building confidence ahead of the finals.
While Morwell threatened a couple of times early in the second term, the Power backline held firm.
Harry Dawson then marked on the lead, nailing his set shot from well inside the arc, going on to finish among Wonthaggi’s best and notching three goals for the day, along with some handy work around the ground.
Morwell showed a glimmer of a revival midway through the second term with a couple of quick goals, but Power coach Jarryd Blair snuffed out the Tigers’ brief momentum with a goal on the run.
Blair’s classy passing was instrumental in other Wonthaggi goals, and his solid contribution throughout the day was acknowledged in the side’s best players list.
Ryan Sparkes was at his damaging best for the winning side throughout the contest, often driving Power into attack and willing as usual to get in and win the hard ball when the situation called for it.
He capped off his excellent onball work with a couple of goals in a best on ground display.
Brandon McDonald scored three of the Tigers’ seven goals for the day, with fellow Brandon, McAuliffe the beaten side’s other multiple goal-kicker with a couple.
McAuliffe was named Morwell’s best in a match with no standout performers for the Tigers.
Wonthaggi’s onball brigade dominated proceedings, with Mitch Hayes featuring prominently alongside Sparkes and Blair.
Dawson was by no means a lone target up forward for Power, with Troy Harley and Jack Hutchinson evenly splitting eight goals between them.
Knowing a huge win was needed in order to potentially set-up a showdown with the Magpies for a place in the top three, the Maroons did just that, wiping Bairnsdale aside by 100 points.
Traralgon showed little mercy at home, and broke away to win 20.14 (134) to 4.10 (34).
The Maroons got up-and-running after the first break, and found their accuracy in front of goal as the match wore on.
The home side kicked 6.1 (37) in the final term, with Brett Eddy ending the match with eight goals.
Eddy’s effort virtually doubled the entire team effort of the Redlegs.
With one eye more than likely turned to the end of the season, Bairnsdale fought the game out as best it could. Nathan Dennison was serviceable, as was Simon Deery, Josh Wykes, Kieran Vickery, Brayden McCarrey and Daniel Eastman.
As well as Eddy, Tye Hourigan, Tom Schneider, Matt Northe, Mark Collison and Luis D’Angelo found plenty of the ball for the Maroons.
Northe kicked four goals, and his emergence as a noted goal-kicker in recent weeks may give Traralgon an extra string to their bow come finals.
With key forwards Jake Best and Dylan Loprese only kicking one goal each at the weekend in a 100-point win, their low returns could actually be seen as a positive now that it is clear the Maroons have multiple avenues to goal.
Match review via Latrobe Valley Express/Gippsland Times, written by Liam Durkin.
Travelling to Western Park, the visitors were rarely challenged, and ended up winning 25.12 (162) to 8.7 (55).
A seven-goal opening term gave Sale a good platform to build from, which they did for the remaining three quarters.
Needing to win big to stave off the threat of Wonthaggi and Traralgon taking a place in the top three, Sale was able to do just that.
By half-time the margin was out to 54 points, and by three quarter time, bled to 62.
Brad Dessent led the scoring for the winners with six, while Jack Leslie was best-on-ground after nailing five.
Jarrod Freeman celebrated his 100th senior game with three goals. Jack McLaren, Cooper Whitehill, Pat Tainsh, Kane Martin and Harry Ronchi all played well.
Jed Lamb continued his remarkable form in front of goal for Warragul.
The former Carlton player kicked six of the Guls’ eight goals.
Given Warragul’s struggles this season, Lamb’s performances have probably shown just how good you have to be to make it to the top level.
Sam Whibley, Tully Loomes, Sean Masterson, Mitch Nobelius and Brad Hefford were others to contribute for the Guls.
The huge total continued the Magpies scoring spree, which has seen them kick 100-plus points for five consecutive weeks.
Match review via Latrobe Valley Express/Gippsland Times, written by Liam Durkin.
NEXT WEEK: Leongatha vs Maffra, Moe vs Drouin
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For Foster, finals were basically locked away prior to their journey to Fish Creek. They needed some fine tuning with a talented squad that is hoping to be even better in a few weeks time.
The home side had nothing to lose, but a giant scalp to take. The question was, could they catch the Tigers napping while they were still short of their best?
The answer was…nearly! Fish Creek kicked 10.9-69 to Foster’s 13-10.88.
“No matter the ladder positions, it’s always tough against Fishy away, and sometimes you just need to win ugly,” Foster coach Sam Davies said. “Beaten in most areas, but really happy with the overall endeavour and ability of the group to absorb the pressure.”
It was probably one that that got away from the Kangaroos.
“We flew out of the blocks today, some inaccuracy in front of goal in the first quarter cost us an early lead,” Fish Creek coach John Danckert said. “The Foster boys were just better for longer today. We showed signs of what might have been for us.”
Match review via multiple publications, written by Rob Popplestone.
Finals might “officially” start in just three weeks. But many games right now have so much riding on them, they seem to carry all the elements of a final.
There is pressure to win, pressure on players to perform, dire consequences for a loss and, as always, the opportunity to gain an edge on an opponent that you may well meet in a little over a fortnight.
Hill End were fourth and Morwell East fifth, both with no guarantee of holding onto a finals spot.
The heat now falls on Hill End after losing in a nailbiter, Morwell East kicking 11.5-71 to the Rovers’ 9.10-64.
“It was a game full of momentum shifts, so despite having a decent lead a couple of times we never felt totally comfortable,” Morwell East coach Devon Soutar said. “We knew in the last quarter, the Hillmen would want speed on the ball and some clean entry for them made it a super tight finish. Pleasingly we found a spark late to hang on.”
What was a tremendously courageous win for the Hawks, and a heart breaking loss for the Hillsmen.
Hill End coach Mike Santo said the high quality game of footy was fiercely contested.
“Again, we couldn’t put four quarters together, but again proved our best is absolutely good enough,” Santo reflected. “Our accuracy maybe cost us, but (I) don’t want to take any credit away from Devon’s boys, they were really good also. Both ruckmen were outstanding.”
“A week off comes at a good time, followed by a great test before finals against Foster,” he added.
Match review via multiple publications, written by Rob Popplestone.
As good as Stony Creek’s season has been, it was this match that was going to determine whether their season might be deemed a success, or a failure.
The Lions travelled to Tarwin, well aware that anything short of a win would almost certainly kill off their finals hopes. An unlikely victory might have them surging into contention at just the right time.
Those hopes were dashed after a promising start, the Sharks taking complete control to win 12.17-89 to 3.5-23.
The Sharks were ecstatic to win for one of their favourite players.
Tarwin coach Troy Hemming congratulated Eddie McMicking for the huge milestone of 300 senior games.
“He’s a legend of our club and so respected by everyone at the club,” Hemming said.
“I believe Stony had a bit of an off day, as they have some real talent and I don’t think they played to their best,” he added. “Everyone at Tarwin wishes Kaj Patterson a speedy recovery with an ankle injury that looks pretty bad.”
The loss was disappointing for the Lions who essentially were playing for a finals position.
“We came to Tarwin with everything to play for, but were soundly beaten in all facets of the contest,” Stony Creek coach Jay Accardi said. “Really disappointing from our point of view, but on the flip side Tarwin put in a strong four quarter performance.”
Match review via multiple publications, written by Rob Popplestone.
Newborough were caught short against a very good Foster side a week ago, and were never going to lose this game at home to Thorpdale.
What was important, however, was how the Bulldogs won. It needed to be quite ruthless for coach Craig Skinner to be assured he has the squad capable of showing little mercy as they head to finals.
They did just that, Newborough scoring 19.17-131 to Thorpdale’s 7.7-49.
“We wanted to play four quarters of football, and we got that,” Skinner said. “We still had a handful of players out, but those that came in did what they needed to do. We also had a chance to look at players in different positions, which gave us a chance to consider different scenarios in the weeks ahead.”
“This competition is so tight, you always have to look for those one percenters that might make a difference,” he added. “Because given the evenness of many of the sides, the tiniest improvements could prove the difference between a win and a loss.”
As the Bulldogs prepare their charge at the finals, the Blues are satisfied with honest performances.
“Our effort was pleasing, especially in the second half when we really made them earn their goals,” Thorpdale coach Ray Pickering said. “But still clearly beaten by a strong, polished Newborough outfit.”
“We look forward to a rest this week, with plenty of sore bodies and recharge for one more effort versus Tarwin,” Pickering added. “The positive attitude and good vibes around the group has been a credit to all our boys.”
At the end of the day, as important as winning is, a coach’s responsibility is to get the very best out of the players he has at his disposal, all the while improving them as footballers on the field and also as men off the field.
Match review via multiple publications, written by Rob Popplestone.
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Glengarry finally did what they have threatened to do all year and knocked off a finals candidate.
The Magpies’ best footy has seen them win quarters over both Churchill and Yarram by six goals, yet for reasons known only to themselves they have struggled to put a full game together.
Sadly for Sale City they did this on Saturday, winning 10.18 (78) to 7.5 (47).
Led by best-on-ground Jay Neagle, the Magpies were in front at every change, and extended their lead across each quarter in what must have been a most satisfying performance for the playing group, coaching staff and supporters.
In fact, if not for some inaccuracy in front of goal, the final winning margin of 31 points would’ve been much greater.
Ben Truin managed four for the winners with Travis Patten and Zac Bezzina were their other multiple goal scorers.
For the Bulldogs it was Adam Gray who played a lone hand in front of goal kicking five.
Without Sam Davidson and Bohdi Walker on the park, scoring always looked the worry for the tri-colours, and so it proved as they managed only seven majors for the day.
Both sides can take plenty out of this season, and with another pre-season under their belts it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility these sides could both be pushing for a finals berth come season 2023.
Woodside did as expected over Gormandale, and ran away 26-goal winners.
Lee Stockdale was best-on-ground, booting seven goals, with Daniel Missen and Bailey Tatnell both close behind managing six each.
The Wildcats have now locked-in fifth spot, assuming they can knock off Cowwarr next week, and look set to play their third local derby of the year in week one of the finals with Yarram awaiting them.
Gormandale managed their highest score in a month, kicking seven goals. Jarryd Garlick and Chris Long with a pair apiece for the Tiges.
Yallourn Yallourn North were resounding winners over Cowwarr, 28.16 (184) to 4.4 (28).
The Jets, who now have a mortgage on top spot on the ladder, were again frugal, conceding just the four goals.
Their defence continues to amaze, and with a league-low 527 points against this season, they have conceded around 50 per cent less score than their nearest rival.
Of course, they have had little to worry about when it comes to offence.
Even without Mitch Luck, who has missed a lot of footy lately, the Jets are still piling on the goals.
Dean MacDonald and Keenan Hughes kicked a dozen between them at the weekend, but were outdone by Josh Keyhoe, who popped up to snag seven majors for the day in a best-on-ground effort.
Yarram managed to dodge a bullet in what could have been a danger game for them, taking care of an incredibly accurate Heyfield by a tick over five goals.
Heyfield kicked 13.2 (80) to keep themselves in the contest for most of the day, but Yarram ended on 17.12 (114).
As they have had a habit of doing over the years, the Kangaroos unveiled yet another young gun in Asher Eastham, who helped himself to five goals.
Another of the Kangaroos’ junior jets, Tyson Birss slotted three in a vote-catching effort for the son of a gun.
For Yarram, it was Corbin Sutherland leading the way with seven goals.
Post-game, Sutherland commented on the talent-laden Heyfield line-up, suggesting many of the kids have a big future in footy with several potentially destined for bigger and better things than North Gippy.
Sutherland acknowledged the Chisolm brothers, Tyler and Tanner, saying both were fantastic in his own side’s effort, while also noting that Jacob Davis must also have been very good given he was listed further up the best players list than Sutherland himself.
Having secured a top three spot after beating Churchill for the second time this year, Traralgon Tyers United will not only be participating in the post-season, but they will be planning on going deep into the finals.
They were far too good on Saturday for a Churchill side that was overcome by both a well-drilled Bomber outfit and a series of injuries.
The Bombers came out firing early and jumped the home side, slamming home the first two majors of the day on the way to a 17.9 (111) to 11.12 (78) victory.
Co-captains Jye Neilson and Mitch Mustoe had the travelling TTU fans in full voice within the first few minutes as they both kicked truly.
But just as the healthy crowd in attendance thought they were going to see a one-sided drubbing, Churchill ruckman and birthday boy Dillon Leys set about righting the ship for the Cougars.
He dominated the stoppages by either grabbing the ball from the ruck and kicking it forward himself, or by providing room service tap-work to the likes of Chris Williams, Jake Roe Duggan and Michael Diaz. With the quantity and quality of supply heading forward, it was no surprise the home side was able to capitalise.
Despite the best efforts of Zac Kilgower, who had the job on the league’s leading goal kicker Ben Kearns, and Jack Brown, who was running with Brendan Holt, Churchill piled on six straight goals to take a neat four-goal lead into the first break.
Some early cracks were starting to show in the Cougar line-up however, with star on baller Chris Williams the victim of some Leys enthusiasm at a stoppage, spending upward of 20 minutes on the bench in the first term.
Williams’ injury was compounded when Ryan Lowrie, who was running with TTU’s prime on baller Michael Jacobsen, received the sniper’s bullet to the hamstring.
Crucially for Churchill, Chris Williams returned to the park, but it appeared to be in a slightly limited capacity as he spent much of the game forward with Kerns having an all-too-rare run in the middle.
With the game still to be decided, the last quarter will not be remembered by those who were there for TTU’s victory, but for a terrible head clash that saw Churchill’s Brendan Holt transported to hospital.
Holt and TTU’s Nicholas Fox, a scrupulously fair ball player, competed for the footy in the Churchill forward 50.
The ensuing collision saw Holt rendered unconscious. Play was stopped for nearly 30 minutes as the trainers from both clubs attended to the stricken star. Thankfully Holt was discharged from hospital Saturday evening.
Play resumed after the lengthy delay and Churchill were soon down to no bench as Ben Skinner limped off, but the footy that followed was more or less academic.
The result was all but decided pre the injury break, but when Jake Albanese kicked two last quarter goals it added some icing to the Bomber cake.
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The Swans are six points clear in second with two rounds to play, after defeating local rival Boisdale-Briagolong at the weekend.
The fallout from the Round 16 clash had polar opposite effects for the respective teams, with the Swans now well in the hunt for the flag, and the Bombers in a battle to avoid finishing the season last.
As the final siren sounded at Stratford on Saturday, showing a final scoreboard reading 16.5 (101) to 9.7 (61), it was enough to send Boisdale-Briagolong to the bottom of the ladder.
While they weren’t to know it then and there, once news of Orbost Snowy Rovers’ win over Paynesville came to hand, it was set in stone.
Despite having won more games than the Blues, the Bombers fell to last by virtue of being on the same number of points but with an inferior percentage.
Boisdale-Briagolong competed honestly with Stratford right up until three quarter time, when they trailed by only 18 points.
In the last term however, it was all one-way-traffic. The Swans kicked five goals to one to make sure of the result, giving their home crowd plenty to cheer about.
Haydn Erfurth and Will Webb were productive inside 50 for the winners, kicking nine between them.
Zane Perkins was best-on-ground for Stratford, while Gavin Bickery, Reegan Tait and James Channing also played well.
For the Bombers, Matt Wilkinson did his best to steer the side to victory with four goals.
Others to play well in the red and black were Daniel Johnson, Ben Wilkinson, Tom Lee, Sam Bedggood and Byron Sandeman.
Match review via Latrobe Valley Express/Gippsland Times, written by Liam Durkin.
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DIVISION TWO
Warragul Industrials 3.7.25
Coburg 2nds 6.3.39
BEST: Not available
GOALS: Not available
Bass Coast Breakers 1.1.7
Karingal 2.6.18
BEST: Stacey Poke, Hannah Mills, Tess Wingfield, Chelsea Connell, Georgia Sharp, Imogen bradford
GOALS: Kate Caughey 1.
The Breakers ventured to Karingal for a double header with the Karingal men’s side as part of the WorkSafe Country-Club Program.
With a large crowd behind them the home side got off to a better start kicking two goals in the first quarter.
This lead would prove to be match winning with the wet and boggy conditions making for a hard slog and low scoring contest.
The Breakers defence worked tirelessly all game and managed to stop Karingal scoring another goal after quarter time.
Stacey Poke, Hannah Mills and Chelsea Connell once again led the way with their fierce attack on the ball and ability to get in the right position.
Immy Bradfords pressure and multiple efforts were impressive in the midfield along with Tess Wingfield who was strong at the clearances and a great target coming out of defence.
A late second quarter goal from Kate Caughey gave the Breakers a sniff going into the main break.
Going into the match undermanned, the Breakers were down to 16 players in the third quarter but battled hard until the end.
Coach Bianca Helmuth-Pask was happy with the team’s endeavour and effort, highlighting players such as Georgia Sharp and Ella Cargill who stepped up in in different roles.
DIVISION THREE
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Warragul Industrials Development Team 2.6.18
Red Hill 2.1.13
BEST: Britt Kilner, Jess Evans, Rachelle O’Connor, Manon Albert, Bianca Loveland, Emmerson Taylor
GOALS: Hayley De Graaf Tayla Lochki 1.
Lang Lang 8.17.65
Pines 0.2.2
BEST: Emily Lesjak, Chloe Lenders, Ashlee Whitehouse, Shenae Chadwick, Sunday Denny, Hayley Dyer
GOALS: Chloe Lenders Sam Cobb 2, Layla Bunting Stefanie Harper Ashlee Whitehouse Unknown Player 1.
CLICK HERE FOR THE CURRENT LADDER | CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF GOAL KICKERS
Moe-Newborough 2.3.15
Lindenow South 2.5.17
BEST:
Moe-Newborough: Lara Downey, Sandra Fenton, Leila Raymond, Danielle Davies, Caitlyn Beale, Lisa Whiteside
Lindenow South: Jackie Elliott
GOALS:
Moe-Newborough: Danielle Davies Taylor Dow 1.
Lindenow South: Not available.
BYE: Foster
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