Solid Warragul undone by wet and wild Maffra
If you are a fan of wet weather footy, then Warragul's game against Maffra this week was an absolute treat.
In some truly torrid conditions, the Gulls were brave and often defensively rock solid, but just unable to make the most of their opportunities as they fell 4.5 (29) to 7.10 (52) against the Eagles away from home.
With water and mud flying around, it certainly wasn't a game for those of us that appreciate highly skilled affairs, with both sides seeming to treat the match like a game of rugby at times. The philosophy of 'get the ball forward at all costs' was king, as the heavy ball did not allow for many considered, well-weighted passes.
Gulls fans will note, however, that wet weather has previously enhanced Warragul's game style this season. The Gulls are a side that often rely on high pressure and strong tackling to generate turnovers and rebound.
They've never been the tallest side and their kicking skills are not at the high levels of some of the top sides, meaning the wet weather can sometimes allow Warragul to get games on their terms. Fans will keenly remember what was arguably their best win of the year, when they upset a finals side in Traralgon at home in similar conditions.
And, for large periods of this match, it was the same story, as Maffra were often constricted by the Gulls' pressure and application. Scoring was always going to be difficult, but defensively Warragul were holding up where they may have otherwise failed to in a drier climate.
In spite of the weather, it was big man Sam Whibley who enjoyed one of his strongest games for the season, while James Davidson and Nick Mulqueen were solid. The absence of Nick Graham was always going to be felt, but in general the Warragul midfield did well to make up for this fact.
Ultimately though, the difference came in both teams' forward halves. Goals were anything but a commodity, but it was the home side that simply had more options in their forward 50 when they managed to get the ball in there.
Neither side had a standout goalkicker, but Maffra managed to have six different players hit the scoreboard, whereas Warragul had just three, led by Jed Lamb once again with two goals.
The Gulls' reliance on Lamb has often proved to be an issue, and this was the case once again. The other Warragul forwards had their chances, but were unable to make them count.
The first term was an example of this, as the ball bounced between forward halves without either team being able to capitalise, until Maffra managed to strike twice. This was first through Thomas Jolly slotting one on the run and then John Butcher from a free kick.
The second term, however, was a much more positive affair for the visitors. The general play continued to be a slog, but Brayden Fowler managed to land his side's first blow through a long range shot, before a 50-metre penalty allowed William Cole a rare shot at goal, which he didn't miss.
By half time, the margin sat at just three points, and Warragul's ability to knuckle down and stick to their defensive efforts was beginning to pay dividends.
The Gulls even had a chance to take the lead at the start of the third after a deliberate out of bounds decision gave Lamb a snap shot next to the behind post. His shot went wide though, and Maffra would duly punish the miss with a goal up the other end.
Lamb atoned for the miss thanks to a running goal in the pocket, but the Eagles would kick two late goals to push the three quarter time margin out to 15 points. A margin of that size looked, on paper, to be very much gettable. But, with the conditions as they were, 15 points looked to be an intimidating lead.
The Eagles were largely benefitting from the work of the Carrs, both Ed and Alex, who were as hard as ever in the contest.
For Warragul to stand a chance, the first goal of the fourth was a must. It wasn't to be, as the Eagles put on another. Lamb would get the next to give some life back to the game, but in the end Maffra did what they had to to run out the match.
The Eagles, sitting in fifth and with Morwell right behind them, simply had to get the job done and were successful in their endeavour. They now face Traralgon next week with a simple equation. Win and they're in, lose and they leave the door ajar. Even if they fail to win, Morwell faces an equally tough assignment in beating Sale. However, in footy, teams want their destiny to be in their own hands.
Warragul, meanwhile, will look to next week as they try to finish their season on a positive note. They will play Bairnsdale, and will fancy their chances of tasting victory one last time before attention turns to the off-season and potential ways of moving up the ladder next season.
The Gulls have shown signs, but plenty of work will be needed if they are to take that next desired step.