Magpies end Tigers’ finals hopes on emotional day
POOWONG ended the finals hopes of Lang Lang in an emotional day for the club, with a first quarter burst sending them on their way to defeat the Tigers 7-8 (50) to 4-5 (29).
Eight seconds of silence was observed in a pre-game tribute for 19-year-old second year apprentice Noah Peacock, who had been tragically killed in a hit run collision on his way to training on Thursday night.
Peacock was recently promoted to the senior team following a junior career with Hallora and Poowong, and his good mate Zac Gray wore his number eight in honour as the teams took to the field.
Defending a strong breeze, the Tigers defended well early despite missing regular ruck Liam Edgar and midfielder Joe Dalgleish.
A Mitchell Whiting goal mid-way through the term broke the deadlock and started a run of three goals for the Magpies in just minutes.
Jack Hazendonk sent the Magpies forward from the centre break and a decision to keep the ball in play proved costly for the Tigers as Patrick Harmes pounced to snap another goal.
Poowong went forward again and Harmes roved his own spilt mark to give the Magpies the early advantage.
Mitchell Tribuzi set up his captain Josh Brown for a snap late in the term to finally reward the Tigers for their hard work with a crucial goal to stay in touch as rain began to teem down.
Unluckily for the Tigers, the wind would drop to negate the advantage in the second term.
A dour contest would ensue, key Tigers play maker Sean Dwyer winning plenty of the ball but could do little do with it due to some close checking.
A Matt Cozzio free kick would lead the Magpies to the only goal for the term, releasing Hazendonk for a long shot and toe poke from Jayden Sullivan on the line completing the job.
Lang Lang lifted following the break and found the first goal of the second half through Brody Leitch to keep the Tigers in touch.
After a good first five minutes from the Tigers, Whiting roved the pack to snap truly and take the wind out of the sails for the Tigers.
The likes of Jackson Ventura, Lachlan Barwick, Jesse Hand, Brown, Aaron Rose and Rhyce Harvie were driving the efforts to try and keep the Tigers alive.
Wet weather skill from Jayden Sullivan to keep his feet and pounce on an easy goal over the back put the Magpies 24-points clear at the final change.
A costly mistake from Tyler Guan from the kick out saw Harmes pounce on another major to effectively kill the contest early in the final term.
Gray was exceptional in a best afield effort in honour of his late mate.
Conor Cunningham provided first use to the likes of Hazendonk and Kurt Newton, while William Lumby, Andrew Logan, Harmes and Cozzio were also prominent.
Daniel Lewis took a strong mark opposed to two and would follow up with a consolation goal to make it 50 majors for the season.
But it was too little too late as the Magpies locked away an emotional victory in honour of their late mate on the way to another finals appearance.