Hill End remain undefeated
Fish Creek v Morwell East
Round four was going to be a defining one for the MGFNL, with all but one of the matches between the former Alberton Clubs and the traditional Mid Gippy teams.
Fish Creek had the chance to set the tone and in doing so keep their unbeaten run going when they welcomed Morwell East, also unbeaten, and ready to make it four in a row But it was the Kangaroos who came to play, producing a dominating performance and a 14-21-105 to 6-7-43 victory.
The Hawks biggest opponent to this point, had been their slow starts. This is an area that will continue to cost them matches, especially against sides the quality of the Kangaroos.
Toora v Hill End
Toora had been showing improvement in each of the opening three rounds under the guidance of coach Luke Manders, the Magpies hopeful that progress could be furthered against an unbeaten Hill End team who had started the match with several of their first-choice players on the sidelines.
The depth of the Rovers may be tested, but at this stage the signs remain positive, the visitors making four wins in a row with a 15-19-109 to 3-4-22 victory.
Magpies coach Luke Manders said they were taught a lesson by the bench mark, but he could not question the effort of his players.
“We were beaten by a well drilled and professional outfit…very good team.”
The Rovers were on song and although their very best football is ahead of them, their major concern right now may well be a growing injury list.
Coach Mike Santo said Toora had a real crack. “It was very hard at the contest and a very physical side, I feel like we had a bit too much speed and our use of the footy seemed to be getting better every week. It allowed us to control the game, but unfortunately more key injuries for us. It is becoming absurd, but we have good depth and have a next man up mentality,” he said.
The Rovers depth is good, but it does have limits, and although currently in the red zone, it appears they have all the answers.
Boolarra v Thorpdale
This was D day for both clubs, the line in the sand or the fork in the road.
After such a long, very long time since tasting success, these two clubs were desperate for the win and it was Boolarra that claimed a courageous and well-deserved victory, 9-13-67 to 7-11-53.
For most of the day, the win was up for grabs with the Demons holding just a two-point lead at quarter time, extended to just four at the main break, and nine heading into the final 30 minutes.
Boolarra coach Tony Giardina said it was great for the boys and the club to get its first win.
”We played four quarters and only bad kicking for goal cost us an even bigger win, credit to Thorpdale, they stayed in it the whole game, they’ve improved heaps.”
The victory eases the pressure that was silently building at the Demons, while at Thorpdale the rewards for effort remain out of reach.
Thorpdale coach, Ray Pickering said they arrived with the wrong attitude. “It was a shadow of the team that turned up a week earlier against Morwell East, disappointing to say that least."
That disappointment needs to be turned into energy to come up for their clash at home against Toora, another opportunity for both sides to register a much-needed win.
Foster v Newborough
Foster entered round four as white-hot favourites, last week’s demolition of Tarwin an indication that they had quickly bounced back from their slow start.
Newborough had been capable of taking it up to good sides for periods of matches and had hoped that on this occasion they would be competitive for even longer, however it was not to be the Tigers prowled their prey at every opportunity on their way to a 24-15-159 to 6-6-42 win.
MDU v Mirboo North
MDU were desperate to bounce back from a disappointing round three, when they welcomed Mirboo North, the Tigers coming off an escape act when they defeated Yinnar, after the siren, last week.
It took a third quarter surge by the visitors to put separation between the two teams for an eventual 14-point win to Mirboo North 10-6-66 to 7-10-52.
The Demons had held a slender three-point lead at quarter time, that was extended to eight at the main break, before they lost control of the match.
The Tigers now one of just three sides who remain unbeaten, but who also realise continued improvement will be required.
Mirboo North coach Josh Taylor said the team had seven changes with injuries and guys not available from last week. “It was pleasing to know we had great depth, MDU are just a consistent side, right across the board, our third quarter won us the game clearly, we made a few changes at half time and it paid off, great to grind our way to another win." Stony Creek v Yinnar
Stony Creek were prepared for whatever it took to secure a win against Yinnar, the Lions yet to register points but showing signs of what they are capable of, even in their losses.
Slow starts have been a culprit, and this was repeated on Saturday. The visitors jumped to a 20point lead at quarter time, extending the margin at every turn and eventually running out comfortable winners 16-15-111 to 5-8-38.