Warragul moves to second as footy future looks bright

Warragul's fourths moved up to second spot over the weekend following a strong win over fellow finals contender Bairnsdale.

A dominating period through the second and third quarter set up the win for the Gulls, the final score being 10.11 (71) to 8.3 (53).

Oliver Wilson put in a best on ground performance for Warragul as he kicked three goals, while Alby Phillips continued his outstanding season. Phillips would later play another great game for the reserves side in what was a brilliant day for the young man.

At quarter time, the Gulls led by just four points, but in the middle two periods put on eight goals to two to blow the margin out to 45 points.

With the result just about settled, Warragul seemed to put the cue in the rack in the final term. They were held scoreless while Bairnsdale kicked 4.1 to make the final margin more respectable, though the outcome never appeared in doubt.

The win means, at the halfway point of the season, the Gulls sit comfortably in second with a percentage of over 200 in what is a great endorsement for the club's youth.

Oliver Wilson, Alby Phillips, Lucas Carter, Harry Hodge, Xavier Olsson and Lachlan Giliam were all named as Warragul's best.

Bairnsdale's better players were Samuel O'Kelly, Lachlan Cloak, Ryan Cullinan, Charlie Cook, Wil Malady and Jesse Bills.

Warragul's reserves were not so fortunate, as a heavily depleted squad went down to the Redlegs.

Playing with a number of fourths players and fill-ins to cover spots around the ground, the Gulls put in an earnest effort but were totally outclassed as they lost 1.3 (9) to 7.10 (52).

Given the personal they were missing, whether it be through injury, sickness or being needed for the senior side, the result was not entirely unexpected though the endeavour of the side couldn't be questioned.

Defensively Warragul was solid. While they could not find avenues to goal themselves, they kept the Redlegs to four goals in the first half.

It meant that the game remained within reach going into the third quarter, but the lack of forward options meant the Gulls were never able to seriously threaten.

Warragul's reserves will now continue their search for their second win, while Bairnsdale moved to fifth spot and will continue to press for finals action.

Kai MacLean, Will Hendrikse, Sam Fennell, Lachlan Wilson, Alby Phillips and Lucas Monacella all put in solid efforts for Warragul.

Nicholas George, Leon Adams, Patrick Ribbands and Max Rowe were among the best for Bairnsdale.

Warragul's thirds missed a golden opportunity to push up the ladder after falling short against Bairnsdale's thirds.

With both sides entering the contest on four wins the winner was guaranteed to move to third and ultimately it was the Redlegs that took the chance as they won 12.7 (79) to 7.5 (47).

The Gulls were slow out of the gate, unable to match the speed with which Bairnsdale moved the ball early, and could not counter the efforts of Redlegs forward Thomas Hudson, who finished the game with six goals.

Warragul wouldn't kick a goal until the second quarter, and went into half time 25 points down.

A four goal to two third term Warragul's way breathed life into the contest. With the margin sitting at just 13 points at the final break, the Gulls looked a chance to steal the match.

This never occurred though, as Bairnsdale steadied to boot four of the final five goals of the game and claim the four points.

Warragul's thirds still sit a game clear in fifth but will be ruing the fact that they missed a significant chance to press their claims for a higher finish.

There's still half a season to go, however, and the Gulls have shown their best is good enough. They will just need to show it more often.

Warragul's best were Kai MacLean, Patrick Carpenter, Todd Gowans, Luke Garner, Liam Serong and Lane Ward.

Thomas Hudson, Tate Clay, Campbell Moresi, Thomas Stephenson and Liam Carroll all played well for Bairnsdale.