Parrots preserve perfect record
With just four rounds remaining in the Gippsland League, it appears that the top four teams are set for finals, leaving one coveted spot up for grabs. Here's what you may have missed in this week's matches. Leongatha vs Morwell
Just how long can they keep getting away with it? That's the question the rest of the league is asking after Leongatha pulled off yet another Houdini-like escape to keep their undefeated season intact, this time overcoming a fired up and in form Morwell.
Playing at the Parrots' home fortress and having lost their past 12 against Leongatha, it was a sign of just how far Morwell has come this season that they were able to push the top team for so long. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough as Morwell ultimately fell just short, the final score being 11.5 (71) to 11.10 (76).
Morwell spearhead Brandon McDonald continued his excellent season with four goals, while Nathan Noblett chipped in with three of his own.
The Tigers, who up until this game had won six of the last seven, started the match in positive fashion to lead at quarter time by five points. They were matching the Parrots at the contest, and were able to take their opportunities by lowering their eyes going inside 50.
Tristen Waack was continuing his excellent run of form, playing both in the ruck and up forward, while the Tylers, both Brown and Hellier, were putting up an excellent fight in the midfield.
From there, Leongatha worked their way into the lead thanks to the efforts of Cameron Stone, Kim Drew and Sean Westaway. Part way through the third, the margin had blown out beyond 20 points.
The Tigers managed to strike back though, bringing the margin back to nine at the final change of ends. From there, Morwell pushed hard, and at times looked like they might even get the job done. But, by the time of the final siren, it was the champs once again coming out on top.
Though it was never in any real doubt, Leongatha have now officially sealed the minor premiership, and will be a clear number one seed come finals time.
Thanks to Maffra's loss, Morwell have kept their top five position. With some tough games ahead, they'll need to keep winning if they are to play a role in the finals. They will actually play the aforementioned Maffra next week in what promises to be an eight-point game.
Maffra vs Wonthaggi
Other teams in the Gippsland League, watch out, there's a real Power surge brewing.
Wonthaggi made it six wins from seven games over the weekend, wearing down and eventually beating down a brave Maffra.
With Maffra still in the hunt for finals but needing a win to break back into the top five, the Power were put to the test for the better part of three quarters before they put on a late game show to blow the Eagles away 17.17 (119) to 10.7 (67).
Troy Harley put on a clinic up forward for Wonthaggi with seven goals, as Ryan Sparkes and Harry Dawson played prominent roles through the middle.
For much of the day though, the eventual final margin seemed a far-flung impossibility, as the match took on a real finals atmosphere. The Eagles were playing a style befitting a team needing every win they could muster, as they refused to allow the second-placed Power to have anything easy.
The margin changed hands on more than one occasion and, as the half time siren sounded, it was the Eagles in front by eight points and looking for all money a strong chance to cause an upset and shake up the ladder.
However, having kicked seven goals for the half, they would manage just three more.
Wonthaggi, led by Harley, took over the contest, booting 11 goals in the second half to turn what seemed like it was going to be a classic into a routine victory.
Once they switched on, the Eagles found it near impossible to switch the Power off. The final 52-point margin certainly did no favours for Maffra, and perhaps didn't tell the full story of the fight they showed in that first half.
Regardless, they were unable to get the result. With Morwell also falling short, it means they remain just one game outside the top five. At this stage the top four appears rather settled, meaning the final spot will likely come down to Maffra and Morwell. Fittingly, they play each other next week in what is sure to be a blockbuster battle.
Moe vs Bairnsdale
So you're saying there's a chance?
Those will be the words on the lips of every Moe fan after they kept their slim finals hopes alive with a thumping win over Bairnsdale.
Having had their season derailed by injury and illness over the past two months, this was a game that Moe simply could not afford to drop. Playing a side sitting in ninth place that has only managed two wins thus far, it was simply a non-negotiable.
And when the chips were down, Moe got the job done, downing the Redlegs 18.11 (119) to 11.7 (73).
Coach Declan Keilty, coaching on crutches after his season-ending blow, would have been pleased with his side's effort, particularly in the second half where their prior scoring woes evaporated.
Riley Baldi, Jess McGrath and Jacob Wood made up for the side's lack of a traditional elite forward by managing four goals each and dominating the clearances, as the Lions kicked 11 total in the second half to blow the game wide open.
While the Lions had eight individual players hit the scoreboard, by comparison Bairnsdale only had three.
Logan Austin and Brayden McCarrey continued their strong respective seasons with five goals each while Ethan East chipped in with one, but most sides will struggle to win when they can manage only three players contributing majors.
The win now has Moe one win outside the top five but below Maffra on percentage. Given this was just their second win in nine weeks, the odds appear slim. But with Maffra and Morwell facing off next week, if the Lions can sneak a win against Sale you just never know. Next week's games (home team named first): Bairnsdale vs Drouin;
Morwell vs Maffra;
Sale vs Moe;
Warragul vs Leongatha; and
Wonthaggi vs Traralgon.