GULLS NEED CHANGE OF LUCK WITH INJURIES Depleted line-up not able to halt Maroons

Injuries are often the difference between playing finals or not and Warragul needs a change of luck in that regard if it is to turn its four wins/five losses record at the midway point of the season into another finals appearance.

The Gulls sit two premiership points – half a game - out of the “five” after losing to Traralgon at Western Park on Saturday.

For three-quarters it had been a brave effort by a side that had another five forced changes to its lineup from the week before bringing to at least eight the number of players on the sidelines that would be in the side if fit.

Thursday nights must be a tough time at the selection table at Warragul.

On Saturday the Gulls were still an outside chance at three-quarter time when they trailed by 20 points. But the last quarter was one to forget. Whether it was inexperience, tiredness from three quarters of taking the game up to Traralgon or a bit of extra class in the Maroons’ line-up that rose to the top is difficult to say. It was probably a bit of each. Warragul didn’t add to its score in the final term as Traralgon rammed through eight goals to eventually win 17-11 to 6-8. Until then the Gulls had put up a strong fight. They got 10 points in front at one stage of the second quarter and then missed an “easy” goal on the run.

It was enough of a let-off for Traralgon to take full advantage and bounce back with goals that got it out to a 14-point lead at the long break.

Warragul’s “ins” for the match included two firstgamers – Angus Emery up from the thirds and Coby Fruend.

Emery, in particular, showed he was not uncomfortable at senior level.

The Gulls’ effort was again superbly led by onballers Nathan Paredes and Brad Scalzo.

But there were some good signs elsewhere, at least until the last quarter fade-out.

Backmen Ash Di Ciero and Michael Lynn, the latter playing one of his best games, had done well as did Aiden Maric and Nic Mulqueen who is showing greater consistency to go with his talent.

Five of Warragul’s goals came in the first half, four of them in the second quarter as the game’s momentum fluctuated.

Brayden Fowler finished with two goals for the day and the others were singles by Jedd Serong, Scott Kelly, Jake Orlicki and Scalzo.

The Gulls have had tough games against the top two, Leongatha and Traralgon, in the past fortnight and have another big challenge next Saturday when they travel to Moe to take on the much-improved Lions that are fourth on the table.

Warragul ruckam Jake Horstman got the better position against Traralgon counterpart Ben Amberg at this contest during Saturday’s senior game as Gull Michael Lynne (10) and opponent Michael Jacobsen wait for the fall of the ball.

Daniel Giardina, who returned to Warragul’s senior side on Saturday, sends the Gulls into attack beating the spoil attempt of a Traralgon opponent.

The Di Ciero family had a foot in each camp as Warragul and Traralgon took each other on at Western Park on Saturday’s. Warragul’s Ashley (at left) was one of his side’s best on the day while his brother Luke (right) kicked three goals for the Maroons....