Leading into Saturday’s clash with Garfield, last year’s beaten grand finalist Cora Lynn hadn‘t yet defeated a side above it on the ladder in 2018. But in the space of just a few short hours, the Cobras gave a true indication of just how far their potential could yet take them brushing off the Stars in a comprehensive 68-point win, 18.14 (122) to 8.6 (54).
Heading into the clash at 4-4 and two wins behind Garfield outside the top five, the Cobras simply had to win on Saturday. But it wasn’t only that they won it’s how they did it; seemingly dismantling the Stars. They applied seemingly relentless pressure right from the outset that forced the Stars into second-guessing themselves for the vast majority of the contest. Slower-than-ideal ball movement from the visitors, particularly by foot, seemed to be a direct result of the pressure applied to them all over the ground, while the Stars’ forwards did themselves no favours by pushing so far up the ground there was little by way of any consistent target inside forward 50. But by the same token the home side was allowed too much space to move the ball out of defence, setting up countless forays forward. Though the Cobras had nine first-quarter scoring shots to just three from the Stars, they led by just 16 points at quarter-time.
But the second term was a much more accurate reflection of the flow of the game as the home side opened up a 39-point lead by the main break, Cora Lynn coach David Main preached ruthlessness at the break for his side to keep the foot on the throat of their opposition and finish the job they’d started.

One of the leaders of the playing group, Jackson Dalton, spoke about controlling the controllables such as effort and intensity at the contest. Fittingly, it was Dalton who led from the front in the third doing just that.

He kicked two mercurial goals in the space of less than a minute at one stage and ultimately booted four of his six total majors in the third term. In running away with the contest, the Cobras had match-winners seemingly all over the ground headed by Dalton, Chris Johnson, skipper Tim Payne, Billy Thomas, and half back Brayden Weller.

Jayden Goumas and Tanner Stanton toiled hard all day for the Stars, as did Daniel Johnson in his role up forward.

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Russell Bennett

Pakenham Gazette

Nar Nar Goon kept pace at the top end of the ladder with a big win over Dalyston, 23-18 (156) to 3-5 (23).
Having entered the season with high hopes, the Goon are living up to their internal expectations with the result improving their record to 7-2. The Goon will enter the second half of the season in second-place on the ladder and just the one win behind reigning premier Inverioch-Kongwak, their big win over the Magpies ensuring they turn for home with superior percentage than the ladder leaders.
Four goals to one in the first term opened an early butler, the Goon kicking out to a 50-point lead at the long break after keeping the Magpies scoreless in the second term.
Dalyston broke through for two goals in the third term, but the Goon were still well and truly in control as they slammed through eight goals for the quarter to put the result well and truly beyond doubt.
The pain didn’t stop for the Magpies in the final term as the Goon steered through six majors. The damage could have been greater had the Goon converted better, also recording seven behinds for the term.
Tom Dovaston kicked five goals while midfielder Matthew Stevens also had a major impact on the scoreboard, booting four majors. They headed a long line of goal kickers, with Jake Smith and Troy McDermott each booting three. Sam Blackwood, Brendan Hermann, Trent Armour and Trent Noy were also prominent.
With no Ellinbank and District football for the weekend Poowong midfielder Josh Chaivaroli lined up for Dalyston and acquitted himself well booting one goal and finishing among the better players. 
Dalyston also added to their already fire injury list, with young gun Kale Wilson breaking his ankle in the first 50 seconds of the game.
Warragul & Drouin Gazette

PHILLIP Island caused Inverloch-Kongwak’s first loss for the season on Saturday.
However, it did take the Bulldogs a while to warm up.
Conditions were slippery early, but it was quick to dry up.
The first quarter looked like Inverloch-Kongwak would remain in control of the game, quickly getting a 22 point lead.
Phillip Island only managed one behind for the quarter, and could not match the skill the Sea Eagles demonstrated early.
At the quarter time break, Phillip Island took a moment to focus, and went back out to play its own game.
With a new mindset, Phillip Island began winning a lot more of the ball in the middle, and was leading by eight points at half time.
A few minor injuries saw some Phillip Island players off the ground during the second half, until the Bulldogs only had one left on the bench.
Unshaken, the Bulldogs stood its ground and continued to show its character.
Jack Taylor was a gun key forward for the Bulldogs, kicking four for the day.
Leigh Warne and Will Van Diemen were impressive across half back, slowing down Inverloch-Kongwak’s attempts to hit targets.
For Inverloch-Kongwak, Shem Hawking, Campbell McKenzie, Jarvis Pryor, Adam Cross, Michael Eales and Daniel Reid were named in the best.
Inverloch-Kongwak made one last attempt to get the points in the last quarter, holding Phillip Island to just one goal. It made up a bit of ground, but it was not enough to deny an upset.
Next week, Phillip Island will face Koo Wee Rup, whilst Inverloch-Kongwak takes on new rivals Cora Lynn.

Sarah Vella

The Great Southern Star

THE Korumburra-Bena Giants franked their improving form last Saturday with their second win of the season over Bunyip at Korumburra by 39 points.
And they've left the league’s trailing division behind in the battle for the wooden spoon, now shaping up as a disruptor for finals aspirants. The players all wore black armbands as a mark of respect for Bena/Giants stalwart John Little who passed away during the week.
The Giants kicked to the scoreboard end of the ground and with Manny Jakwot (VAFA Div 2 St Johns) and Blayne Waters (VAFA) making their debuts, and along with the return of Bailey Patterson from the Gippsland Power, they were in charge from early on, finishing with a pleasing six goals to three for the quarter. Tackling from both teams was impressive, but when the Giants escaped the Bulldog pressure, they were too quick. Matt Kennewell was elusive with two early goals.
In the second quarter, the Bunyip Bulldogs lifted, playing attacking football while the Giants’ passing game broke down as they went sideways instead of direct resulting in fewer scoring opportunities. The Dogs locked the ball in their forward 50 for the bulk of the term. By half time it was ‘game on’ 7.6 to 5.4 in Korumburra-Bena’s favour.
The third quarter was an arm-wrestle but the Giants finished on strongly with goals to the two new players Jakwot and Waters, as well as one by Ben Fitzpatrick which allowed them to take a five-goal lead into the last quarter.
The Giants opened the last quarter with Cann goaling to extend the lead. They wasted a second chance by turning the ball over and Bunyip pulled one back but the Giants were clearly controlling play. Cann, who was winning more than his fair share of the ball goaled again, his third for the match, to put the result firmly in the Giants’ keeping. A couple of goals by each side rounded out a game which was largely dominated by the Giants.
Best for the Giants were Alex Johnston, Ben Fitzpatrick, Manny Jakwot, Dylan Muir, Sam Edwards, Rhys Dixon, Jamie Cann and Blayne Waters.
South Gippsland Sentinel Times

An explosive opening burst of four goals in four minutes ensured Koo Wee Rup would always be in control of its round nine West Gippsland Football Netball Competition match against Kilcunda-Bass.

Having entered the season unsure if he would make a return to the field from injury, Demons utility Anthony Giuliano showed he could still turn it on when it counts with his three goals coming in an explosive three-minute burst to start the match. The Demons soon had their fourth just one minute later and things were getting ugly quickly for the struggling Panthers. The Panthers could register just the minor score while the Demons slammed on seven first quarter goals to take control of the contest.

Although the Panthers fought bravely in the second term, kicking two goals to one, it would be the only quarter they would win as they fell 18-10 (118) to 5-9 (39).

Re-emerging onto the field following the halftime break keen to make the most of their bright start, the Demons were ruthless in the second half as they kicked away to a big win. Four goals to one in the third term extinguished any hopes the Panthers had of containing their opposition, with six goals to two in the final term rounding out a big win.

Josh Smith and Jason Wells each followed on from the early exploits of Giuliano, all finishing with three goals. Another former Cora Lynn player in Nathan Muratore also had a day out, with Tim Miller, Luke McMaster, Rory Connelly and Bailey Galante also among the better players.

Luke Walker made his return to the Demons side and while he registered just the one major, he will form part of a strong combination forward of centre alongside the likes of Wells and Giuliano.

Former Nilma-Darnum midfielder Jean Bezzene was among the better players for the Panthers.

Warragul & Drouin Gazette

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Cora Lynn v Garfield match review excerpt written by Russell Bennett reporting for Pakenham Gazette. To view original article in it's entirety online visit https://pakenham.starcommunity.com.au/gazette/2018-06-12/cobras-captivate-in-big-win/ (viewability may be subject to subscription)

Inverloch-Kongwak v Phillip Island match review by Sarah Vella reporting for The Great Southern Star. To view original article online visit http://thestar.com.au/blog/bulldogs-upset-the-sea-eagles/

Match reviews from Warragul & Drouin Gazette are available to view online via subscription only. To subscribe visit here http://thegazette.com.au/subscribe/

Match reviews taken from South Gippsland Sentinel Times is available to view online via subscription only. You can subscribe to the South Gippsland Sentinel Times here https://subscribe.realviewtechnologies.com/global/subscribe/rvportal/subscribe.aspx?cpid=14264

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