Bulldogs and Dusties come from the clouds to claim close comeback wins
Comeback wins were a highlight this week as Bunyip and the Warragul Industrials both fought hard for their victories on Saturday. Meanwhile, the most seemingly invincible team in the league has finally shown they are in fact, like the rest of us, mortal.
Bunyip vs Kilcunda Bass
Though finals are out of reach for Bunyip, revenge certainly wasn't, as the Bulldogs managed to prevail in a thriller over Kilcunda Bass.
It didn't always appear that would be the case though, as it took a late comeback from the home side to take the win 9.5 (59) to 7.13 (55).
In fact, in what had been a rather dour, low-scoring affair, the Bulldogs actually managed to more than double their score in the final term. They kicked five goals after having managed just four through the first three quarters to overpower the Panthers.
It would have undoubtedly been a sweet victory for the home side. They were ambushed the last time these sides met in round nine, with their shock defeat in that match arguably setting them on a slide down the ladder and out of finals contention after some strong early-season form.
Dylan Gallasch and Matthew O'Halloran both kicked two goals to be the only multiple goalkickers for Bunyip, as Chris Thuring and Ryan Quirk were a driving force behind the Bulldogs' late surge.
For their part, Kilcunda Bass were left to regret having not been able to shut the door on Bunyip, as multiple misses in front of goal came back to bite them.
At half time, the Panthers had actually more than doubled the number of scoring shots of their opponents, but due to some inaccuracy led by just 17 points. It meant that the Bulldogs were left with a sniff, and after trimming the margin back to 11 at three quarter time, the late surge was enough to see them get the win.
Bunyip will take some confidence out of the win, but with Phillip Island looming next week, they'll have to make sure they keep up the form they showed in that final term.
Koo wee rup vs Warragul Industrials
Nearly six goals down at the start of the last quarter and on enemy territory. No chance, right? Not according to the Warragul Industrials.
The Dusties have pulled off the comeback win of the season, coming from the clouds to pip Koo wee rup at the post and seal their spot in the finals.
After being subject to yet another Jason Wells masterclass for the first three quarters, the Dusties came roaring back into the game in the final term, kicking six goals to one to ultimately win a heartstopper 10.12 (72) to 10.10 (70).
Prior to that final term though, it looked like for all money that the Demons would be coming out on top and keeping their slim finals chances alive. Koo wee rup were cleaner with the ball, up and about with their pressure and looking generally solid. But more than anything else, they had Jason Wells.
Wells, who had tormented the Dusties defence when the two sides met earlier this year, picked up exactly where he left off, dominating aerially and still looking dangerous when the ball hit the deck. Of his side's eventual 10 goals, he would end up kicking seven of them.
It wasn't just him though, as Matthew Voss, Nathan Muratore and Brodie Yapp were all enjoying outstanding days at the office. At three quarter time, the home side was up by 29 points, which would be extended early in the final term.
From there though, the belief the Dusties have built all season came to the forefront. Kyle Staples found himself as an unlikely generator in the forward half, finishing with three goals, while the likes of Todd Beck and Anthony Bruhn turned the tide in the middle.
It all meant the Dusties, who had struggled to string together their best footy for most of the day, came charging home, booting the final six goals of the game before holding on grimly in the last few minutes to seal a famous victory.
The win now has the top six as officially set, with the Dusties set to feature in finals for the first time since joining the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition. They've shown their best is good enough when they knocked off Phillip Island, and now the focus will be on bringing that sort of heat in what is sure to be a great finals series.
Phillip Island vs Tooradin-Dalmore
So they're mortal after all. Tooradin-Dalmore have finally been brought undone, courtesy of a Phillip Island masterclass at their home fortress.
The Seagulls, who had gone undefeated through the first 15 rounds of the season, were ambushed in the early stages of the game and were unable to work their way back into it, eventually falling 7.12 (54) to 11.8 (74).
The Bulldogs were relentless for much of the day, clearly remembering their game against the Seagulls earlier this year where they were held to three goals and, frankly, made to look second-rate.
They kicked 4.4 to 1.2 in the first term, leaving Tooradin-Dalmore shell-shocked after losing their first opening quarter for the year. From there, the game turned into a bit of a scrap, with the Seagulls threatening at times to work their way back into the contest, before Phillip Island answered every challenge.
Max Blake topped the scoring for the victors with three goals, as Jason Tomada, Cameron Pedersen and Eli Richard were all supreme.
Brent Macaffer, Liam Adams and Dylan Paarlberg were among the better players for Tooradin-Dalmore, who will now be left with a bit to ponder going into finals. They were brought undone here, but the loss may spur them on as finals approach.
For Phillip Island, they'll be left confident that their time as the undisputed champs of the competition may not be over yet. Though with a potential meeting against the Seagulls being played on neutral territory, they'll likely have to beat Tooradin-Dalmore without home ground advantage if they want to hold up the cup.
Dalyston vs Cora Lynn
Cora Lynn's march up the ladder has continued thanks to a routine win over a struggling Dalyston.
It was a professional performance from the Cobras, who have now won 10 of their last 11 matches, as they dismantled the Magpies after quarter time to win 14.15 (99) to 7.5 (47).
Half-forward Luke Ryan and wingman Jeremy Monckton were the standout performers for the Cobras, while Nathan Gardiner was unsurprisingly the dominant forward on the ground with six goals. It takes his total to 58 goals from 14 games.
The first term was an unexpectedly even affair as it seemed the home side may just be up for the fight. But after Cora Lynn settled into their groove, the rest of the game fell into place, allowing them to boot 12 goals to five after the first term to run out easy winners.
Matthew Howell and Curtis Murfett were admirable through the middle for Dalyston, as Mason Storr fought hard up forward. But with one win from their past 12 games, the season has become a long one for the Magpies. A meeting with Garfield next week, the last team they defeated, may provide a chance for a late-season highlight.
Cora Lynn, meanwhile, are now into fifth spot on percentage, and will turn their focus to Koo wee rup next week.
Inverloch-Kongwak vs Garfield
Garfield's winless streak continued over the weekend as they were totally outclassed by Inverloch-Kongwak.
The game was a totally one-sided affair, with the Stars being absolutely no match for their much higher-placed opponents, losing 3.0 (18) to 18.15 (123).
In fact, following a blistering first term that saw the Sea Eagles boot 8.3 to nothing, the game was essentially over at the very first change of ends. The following three quarters saw the home side simply out to rub salt into the wound.
Zac Soutar kicked two of Garfield's three goals in a solid performance, while Angus Emery, Jake Thomas and Matt Jones fought desperately against an overwhelming tide, as the Sea Eagles dominated just about all facets of the match.
For Inverloch-Kongwak, Corey Casey kicked four to lead all comers, while on-ballers Ethan Park and Tom Hams had a day out in the contest, thanks in part to some brilliant ruck work from Marcus Toussaint.
With just two games left in the home and away season, Garfield's chances to avoid a dreaded winless season are running out, though a home game next week against fellow battler Dalyston presents a golden opportunity.
Nar Nar Goon vs Korumburra-Bena
Nar Nar Goon have handed Korumburra-Bena what is undoubtedly their worst loss of the season, putting further strain on a side that has endured a lot of pain this year.
The Goon did as they pleased against the Giants, keeping the visitors to one measly behind as they themselves poured on the pain to win 25.15 (165) to 0.1 (1).
Dermott Yawney was at his usual dominant best, booting nine goals to now be equal leader in this year's league goalkicking competition with Koo wee rup's Jason Wells, despite having played two fewer games.
Outside of Yawney, it was hard to find a loser for the Goon, as Kyle O'Sullivan, Trent Armour and Jake Smith all ran amok.
It was a dire day for the visitors though, as the Giants were beaten by 100 plus points for the fifth time this season, and held totally goalless for the second time.
Alaster Bradley, Matt Kennewell and Zach Walker gave some honest efforts, but in truth the gap between Korumburra-Bena and the best teams in the league is stunningly vast. With losses like these, it's not difficult to see why the club is seeking a transfer to a different league.
Nar Nar Goon will now finish their home and away season with significant games against Tooradin-Dalmore and Inverloch-Kongwak. With finals just around the corner, they'll want to put their best foot forward in both, lest they lose all momentum just before the true crunch time begins.
Next week's games (home team listed first): Bunyip vs Phillip Island;
Cora Lynn vs Koo wee rup;
Garfield vs Dalyson;
Korumburra-Bena vs Kilcunda Bass; Tooradin-Dalmore vs Nar Nar Goon and; Warragul Industrials vs Inverloch-Kongwak.