Trafalgar take Waterloo Cup
Trafalgar have taken the Waterloo Cup with a comfortable win over Yarragon, 10-9 (69) to 4-2 (26).
The Panthers matched the Bloods in a first term that realised five goals to three.
All was set for a high scoring shootout but the Panthers fell away badly as the match tightened up. Lack of scoring hurt, registering one behind in the second term as Trafalgar went into half time with 27-point lead.
The slog continued in their third term with both sides registering one goal, the Bloods then edging further in front in the final term with two goals to no score.
Matthew Van Schajik and Damien Mann, playing against his former side, kicked seven goals between them and ultimately proved the difference as other players struggled to score.
Hayden Farrell was the other multiple goal scorer for Trafalgar, while Robert Wallace led Yarragon’s scoring with two majors.
Jace Butler, Daniel Puglia, Matthew Goodman, Farrell, Jamie Hines and Darcy Brock led the way for Trafalgar.
Yarragon named Jake Cropley, Brock Neve, Tim Potter, James Harvey, coach Robbie Cahill and Wallace as their better players.
Hillmen improve
Hill End showed signs of improvement, taking it up to finals fancy Morwell East for the majority of the contest.
The Hillmen led for the majority of the contest and would be ruing a missed opportunity after being overrun in the final term to go down 13-7 (85) to 9-6 (60).
Accuracy in front of goal helped Hill End out to a 10-point lead at quarter time, and the Hillmen were able to maintain that slight advantage to head into the final change 13-points to the good.
The Hawks snapped into gear during the final term, slamming through seven goals to one to comfortably take the points.
Shaun Barnes, best on ground Brandon Francis, Adrian Fazioli, Frank Marks and Lachlan White helped move the score along for the Hawks. Sam Marks and Lucas Towns were also influential.
Clay Ketchen led the scoring for Hill End with three majors. Jeremy Cattanach made a successful return to football following his serious injury, while Robert Fiddelaers, Isaac Ketchen, Liam Fitzpatrick, Sven Batten and Justin Rea also had the Hillmen primed for an upset.
Blues upset Tigers
Thorpdale defeated Mirboo North in a thriller, 7-15 (57) to 8-4 (52).
In a match that had several lead changes, inaccuracy could have been costly for the Blues, who hung on to upset the finals hopefuls.
Scott Gatehouse proved a handy recruit, booting three goals, while Matt Powell, Nick Fairbank, Kayne O’Connell, Mitchell Gorman and Luke Collie were also prominent.
Jacob Nash, Brayden Wilson, Dwayne Gunn, Damien Turner, Kyle Wilson and Tom Bolton were the better players for the Tigers.
Demons thumped
Yinnar thumped a hapless Boolarra, 1916 (130) to 2-7 (19).
The Magpies raced out to a five-goal lead and were never headed, with the Demons’ only joy coming with two consolation goals in the final term.
Daniel Hawking booted five goals for the Magpies in a best afield performance.