Depleted Hawks downed
Drouin’s reserves have gone down to Bairnsdale’s reserves by 58 points over the weekend.
Playing with a heavily depleted and extremely youthful side thanks to injuries and sickness, the Hawks put up an admirable fight for three quarters before being overwhelmed in the final term.
Drouin benefitted from some poor goalkicking from Bairnsdale, as the Redlegs kicked six behinds without a goal in the first term.
Regardless, the Hawks were not found wanting for effort, as their young midfield closed down their opponents with speed and intent any time they found the ball.
Going into the final quarter the margin was just 20 points and within reach, but a six-goal final term from the Redlegs put the result beyond doubt.
Drouin’s better players were Sam Clebney, Ryan Taylor, Peyton Saddington, Rhys Fairlie, Noah Jarred and Cody Fleming.
Nicholas Hammond, Harrison Preston, Liam Russell, Daniel Eastman and Max Rowe all played well for Bairnsdale.
In other results, Leongatha demolished Warragul 20.21 (141) to 2.1 (13), Maffra accounted for Morwell 14.7 (91) to 6.7 (43), Sale defeated Moe 10.4 (64) to 5.4 (34) and Wonthaggi thrashed Traralgon 17.14 (116) to 4.3 (27).
Warragul’s thirds have maintained their grip on second place on the ladder after defeating Leongatha 9.9 (63) to 5.5 (35).
Liam Finnegan kicked three goals for the Gulls, who used a blistering four goal to one second term to build a lead that proved unassailable for the home team.
The Parrots certainly were putting in an effort, but just lacked the skill and polish of the Gulls, who moved the ball cleaner in the greasy conditions.
Patrick Carpenter, Todd Gowans, Patrick Ireland, Luke Garner, Lachlan James Smith and Xavier Olsson were Warragul’s best players, while Trent McRae, Wil Dawson, Nathan Skewes, Julian Callahan, Tyler Richards and Jett Clark played well for Leongatha.
Drouin’s thirds, meanwhile, have gone down to a kick after the siren to lose to Bairnsdale 8.5 (53) to 7.12 (54).
The Hawks, who went scoreless for the entire first quarter, had staged an incredible comeback to steal the lead late in the final quarter.
However, an errant handball in defence allowed the Redlegs to find a mark inside 50, the kick going through after the final siren to seal a memorable victory for Bairnsdale.
Drouin’s strongest performers were Brock Walsh, Lachy Braybon, Noah Rogers, Cody Fleming, Ronin Staunton and Ethan Busse.
Caleb Crofts, Jim Healey, James Dore, Damon O’Connor, Harry Wilmot and Samuel Stewart played well for Bairnsdale.
Around the grounds Moe came from behind to defeat Sale 8.11 (59) to 7.11 (53), Maffra beat Morwell 7.11 (53) to 3.10 (28) and Traralgon thumped Wonthaggi 12.9 (81) to 5.5 (35).
Drouin’s fourths have held off a fast-finishing Bairnsdale to win 6.7 (43) to 4.9 (33).
The Hawks, led by four goals to Brodie Atkins, held the ascendancy for most of the day before Bairnsdale staged a late comeback, kicking all four of their goals in the final term.
Drouin held strong, however, to claim their second win of the season.
The result is certainly an upset, as Bairnsdale had lost just one game prior to the match, but were outmuscled by their more desperate opponents.
Drouin’s top players were William Young, Zachary Mcmillan, Brodie Atkins, Kaden Gregg, Kai McLeish and Charlie Piner.
Best on for Bairnsdale were Jadah Frith, Kael Frith, Harper Lamperd, Samuel O’Kelly, Charlie Cook and Thomas Miles.
Elsewhere, Warragul destroyed Leongatha 17.13 (115) to 4.4 (28), Maffra dismantled Morwell 16.16 (112) to 4.6 (30), Sale won a thriller over Moe 9.6 (60) to 7.14 (56) and Traralgon had the bye.