Fearless Gulls’ thrilling draw against Power
For most teams, being 20 points down at three quarter time against one of the premiership favourites would be a bridge too far.
Warragul, as it turns out, are not most teams. The Gulls have managed a thrilling draw against Wonthaggi in what was an absolutely cracking contest, the final siren sounding with both teams locked on 16.10 (106).
Having come in as underdogs, it took a special effort from the Gulls to overcome what looked like an insurmountable deficit, and though they couldn’t quite get over the line to snatch their first win, they proved plenty to both the rest of the league and themselves.
Warragul will be especially encouraged by the fact that they were able to match it with some of the league’s best with such a young side the Gulls had four players playing their first senior games for the club in Todd Gowans, Lane Ward, Kai MacLean and Micah Williames.
The first half proved to be a tight and tense affair, with neither side able to get more than two goals in front of the other as Wonthaggi went into the half time break nine points up.
The third quarter saw the Power show why they are considered one of the flag fancies, as star on-baller Aidan Lindsay got their engine room roaring and as forwards Jack Hutchinson (four goals for the game) and Jordan Staley (three goals) began to make their mark on the game.
Warragul’s forward line, which had been so dangerous in the first half, was held to just two goals as their more experienced opponents made their move, leaving the three quarter time deficit at 20 points.
Despite the seemingly overwhelming odds, Warragul coach Dean Alger said the team “still had plenty of belief.”
“We just told the boys to stick to our structures, stick to our structures and we can get right back into the game.” he said.
Alger’s words would prove correct, as the final quarter started with former Carlton player Jed Lamb (six goals for the game) and Brayden Fowler (three goals) helping their side lift themselves back into the game.
Warragul half backs Sean Masterson and Cooper Alger also proved to be big players in the last quarter, consistently repelling the few forays forward Wonthaggi managed and setting up their own side’s attacks to devastating effect.
The ball lived in Warragul’s attacking half for most of the final quarter, and despite the Power still managing to kick a couple of goals, Warragul booted six of their own as their young players found the belief they needed to not only match their vastly more experienced opponents, but beat them at their own contested game.
Thanks to the Gulls’ onslaught, they led by seven points with just three minutes left in the contest.
A sprayed shot from the Power saw the deficit reduced to a goal, and despite some grim defending from the Warragul backline a free kick to Wonthaggi forward Noah Anderson saw the visitors with a shot to tie the scores.
Anderson calmly slotted the shot with barely any time left in the game, the siren sounding after the ball was bounced in the middle, leaving players from both sides with hands on heads, devastated at the lack of a result.
Despite not quite managing to seal the win, Dean Alger said his young side’s ability to compete with one of the league’s top sides would give them plenty of belief.
“We’re under no illusions as to where we’re at, we’re coming from a long way back after last year,” he said.
“Even though we didn’t get the four points, getting some points will give us a bit of belief going forward that when we play our best it’s enough to match it with anyone.”
Best on ground for Warragul were Sean Masterson, Cooper Alger, Chris Raso, Sam Whibley, Mitchell Smart and James Davidson.
Wonthaggi’s best included Aiden Lindsay, Mitch Hayes, Jack Hutchinson, Shannon Bray, Tim Knowles and Jack Blair.
Warragul will now turn their attention to next round’s derby against bitter rival Drouin in two weeks as they seek to win their first game for the year.
“We’re looking forward to it, it’s always a tough game no matter where they are on the ladder,” Alger said.
“Both teams haven’t had a win yet, so it should be a good contest.”