Parrots punish Power in rematch
We got a stronger idea of where some teams sit in the Gippsland League this week.
The league also held its ‘Mental Health Round’ to promote awareness around the issue, with all teams having a player wear blue to create conversation.
Here's what you might have missed.
Leongatha vs Wonthaggi
Leongatha have added to Wonthaggi's early season woes, claiming a 22-point win in the grand final rematch.
In a game that even echoed that famous Parrots victory at times, the green and gold put their foot on the throat early with six goals to one in the first term and didn't let up until late as they won 11.11 (77) to 8.7 (55).
Mitchell Bentvelzen played one of his finest senior games for the Parrots out of the backline while Jenson Garnham (four goals), Tallin Brill and Tom Marriott all showed their class.
The Power had their moments, winning the second and fourth quarters, but when you're down by five goals at quarter time against Leongatha chances are you won't be getting back into the match.
Much of their trouble was self-inflicted as the Power continually let themselves down coming out of the backline early to let the Parrots get the jump.
The Power kicked the first two goals of the final term to give themselves a sniff, though a strong mark and goal from Garnham put any potential comeback to rest
Aiden Lindsay, Shannon Bray and Ethan Dickison gave their all for Wonthaggi all day.
Now sitting at zero and two following their surprise loss to Warragul last week, the Power certainly aren't sitting where they would have hoped.
Next week's game against the similarly winless Morwell now looms as vital.
Traralgon vs Moe
Traralgon have held off a fast-finishing Moe to win a thrilling contest on Saturday night 10.14 (74) to 10.9 (69).
The Maroons looked in control of the contest at the final change of ends, leading by 28 points heading into the last.
Whatever Moe coach Declan Keilty said to his charges clearly had some effect - the Lions kicked six goals in the final quarter to give the Maroons a massive scare before just falling short.
Three of those goals were kicked by teenager Thomas Matthews, who threatened to be the unlikeliest of game winners for the Lions
Much of Traralgon's win was built off an industrious first quarter where they booted five goals to one to create an early lead, one that they ended up needing late.
Tye Hourigan was simply impassable at times as he continues to be one of the competition's premier defenders. Hugh Dunbar showed plenty, as did exciting pressure forward Liam Willaton and Luis D'Angelo.
For Moe Keilty put in a power of work, Riley Baldi's brilliant form in the middle continued and Liam Masters also played well.
The Lions clearly missed the influence of the Prowse brothers, whose height may just have given them the edge.
As things stand they'll turn their attention to an interesting match-up with Sale next week.
Morwell vs Bairnsdale
A striking fourth quarter surge saw Bairnsdale secure their second win of the year as they downed Morwell away from home.
With the lead changing hands multiple times through the day, it was ultimately five final term goals – and four of the last five – that allowed the Redlegs to pull away 13.9 (87) to 9.6 (60).
It was a meritorious win for the visitors, who trailed by 14 points late in the second term and looked as if one more goal against them might break their spirits.
However, Bairnsdale looks a more resilient side in season 2024 and fought their way back into it and eventually reigned supreme.
Ricky Tatnell, Ethan East, Brayden McCarrey and Randall Stewart were all influential in the win which sets the Redlegs up at two and one heading into their bye next week.
For Morwell the alarm isn't sounding just yet, but this loss might be a tough pill to swallow for a team with finals aspirations.