Parrots power on
Round two of the Gippsland League threw up some fantastic games this week, including one upset result that sees one of last year's grand finalists anchored to the bottom of the ladder. Leongatha vs Wonthaggi
They just keep getting away with it. Leongatha have seen off yet another potential challenger in Wonthaggi, registering their 30th straight victory in a thriller.
The Parrots and Power, having been fierce rivals in recent years, played a match that lived up to its lofty billing, Leongatha eventually prevailing 10.12 (72) to 10.9 (69).
Wonthaggi appeared at various times to have Leongatha in a precarious position, including when they entered the final quarter a goal up.
But, as they have been doing for years now, the Parrots consistently found a way to get themselves back into the contest.
And when the chips were down and the pressure was at an all-time high, Leongatha's incredible belief in their system won out.
Jack Hume was the point of difference up forward for the Parrots as he kicked four goals. Through the middle, it was the Jake van der Pligt show, the premiership midfielder showing his best against quality opposition.
For Wonthaggi, Kyle Reid was imposing down back, putting his body on the line on multiple occasions, while Toma Huther provided plenty in the ruck for his midfielders. Jack Hutchinson was another standout.
The Parrots have now seen off two premiership aspirants in as many weeks. They've appeared vulnerable in both but have found a way both times.
And with Warragul in their sights next week, it seems their streak is primed to continue.
Maffra vs Traralgon
Traralgon have put aside some truly horrific goalkicking to register their first win of the year against Maffra.
The Maroons were often their worst enemies in the 9.15 (69) to 3.6 (24), wasting numerous attempts to put the Eagles to the sword early.
By half time the crowd in attendance at the Maffra Recreation Reserve must have been wondering what they were watching; the scoreboard read Maffra 1.0 to Traralgon 1.13.
The frustration was evident on the faces of many Maroons players, who were well aware that they were in complete control in every area other than the one that matters most.
Luis D'Angelo and Tom Schneider were doing as they pleased, while Billy Schilling was providing plenty of spark at half-forward, despite a lack of reward.
A much-improved goalkicking effort in the third term saw the Maroons pile on 6.1 to 2.3, allowing them to finally break the game open, pushing the lead at the final change to beyond 40 points.
Schilling finished with two goals, as did Tate Marsh and spearhead Brett Eddy.
Maffra's usual suspects gave their best, including Kade Renooy and Alex Carr, while Daniel Bedggood booted two of their three goals, but the Eagles will be concerned at just how ineffective they were around the ball.
They'll be well-aware that had they kicked straight, a bad day at the office could have been a nightmare. Sale vs Bairnsdale
Bairnsdale have produced the boil over of the season thus far, knocking off last year's runners-up in Sale on the Magpies' home deck.
In what was a low-scoring, high pressure affair, the Redlegs withstood every challenge the Magpies could throw at them to finish three points in front, winning 7.9 (51) to 7.6 (48).
Link McKenna put in what might just be his best game for Redlegs, new face Lachlan Byrne-Jones was electric in the forward half and coach Logan Austin was immense at both ends of the ground.
Goals came at a premium for both sides, and it was Bairnsdale that got the fast start, kicking two in quick succession while keeping Sale goalless for the first quarter.
Three more Redlegs goals had the lead out to 21 at half time and suddenly the home crowd were feeling restless.
But as a team still figuring out how to win and up against a side that made last year's grand final, it wasn't a shock to see Sale work their way back into it. The home side, led by a determined effort in the backline by Lachlan Ronchi, as well as some serious power in the middle from recruit Hudson Holmes, reduced the margin to 10 at the final change.
Sale refused to lie down in the final term, bringing things to under a kick, but unlike in round one where Bairnsdale were forced to settle for a draw, this time the Redlegs held firm to claim a famous victory.
The Redlegs were massive players in the offseason and so far it's paid dividends, as they are one of just three sides without a loss.
Sale, meanwhile, are now 0-2 and will need to find some resolve in next week's 'Battle of the Birds' against rivals Maffra if they are to get their season on track.