Warragul not able to wind in early deficit
The first half of the opening quarter set up Traralgon’s win over Warragul at Western Park.
Traralgon’s 4-1 early burst before Warragul scored was always going to be hard to peg back in the steadily drizzling rain that fell throughout Saturday’s game.
Traralgon’s winning margin at the finish was only two points greater than the quick lead it established. Final scores were 11-8 to 6-11. The Gulls pulled things back in the first quarter denying Traralgon another score while breaking through for 2-4 themselves to trail by only 9 points.
The gap was stretched to a handy, in the conditions, 20 points at half time although the teams each had nine scoring shots.
Warragul continued to gnaw away at the lead and early in the last quarter got within a couple of goals.
Traralgon’s experience in threatening situations came to the fore.
It was able to play the latter part of the game on its terms, the class of its “outside” players and some slick ball movement telling in shrugging off the Gulls’ challenge.
Warragul won the statistics on clearances from stoppages and the number of entries into the forward 50-metre arc but ran into a strong and well organised Maroons’ defence led by interleague full back Adrian Slotje.
Traralgon also had former Essendon player Jason Winderlich and a couple that missed last week through injury return to its line-up.
Winderlich, switching between roles on the ball, a wing and a half forward flank was one of its better players on the day, and talented forward Lee Stockdale’s four goals were telling.
Missing from the Warragul side that downed Sale the previous week were VFL listed players Tom Muir and Kody Wilson and Luke Monacella (unavailable).
Leigh Sheehan’s back problems continue, causing him to miss again and he probably won’t play next week, either.
The Gulls were also hampered by first half injuries to Peter Davine, taken to hospital after a knock to the neck area, and Brad Hefford (hip) that left them with only one player available on the interchange bench.
Davine was cleared of damage and discharged from hospital on Saturday night but the club says he’ll be rested next week.
Warragul’s defence has held up pretty well all year and did so again on Saturday, Nic Stevenson again showing the way, and the on-ball leaders - Chris Carey in the ruck and rovers Brad Scalzo and Nathan Paredes - continued their great form.
Ambu Uliando did an excellent job curtailing the usual drive of Traralgon coach Mark Collison around the ground.
Centre-half forward Matt Rennie was again one of the better players as was veteran Brendan Sheehan.
Full forward Brayden Fowler didn’t post a goal but coach Steve Kidd was pleased with his contribution and contesting in general play.
Kidd described the team’s performance as “solid” and said the side feels it has the capability to “win a few” against the top sides and other finals contenders.
There are things we need to continue to work at improving, such as the movement of the ball into the forward lines, he said.
The Gulls face another stern test next Saturday - a road trip to Maffra - but will be aiming to cause an upset and hit the halfway mark of the season with a 5-4 win/loss record.