Lions officially in the premiership race
One team has officially entered premiership contention after beating a premiership fancy over the weekend. Here's what you might have missed in the Gippsland League's round three.
Wonthaggi vs Moe
Moe have officially put their hands up in the premiership race after a great win away over Wonthaggi.
The Lions were challenged early but were able to slowly turn the game in their favour, eventually securing a comprehensive 12.10 (82) to 8.6 (54) win.
Having lost key forward Kristian Jaksch to what appears to be a season-ending injury, Moe were slow out of the blocks. Matthew Barrand was given the responsibility of playing as an undersized full forward, but his lack of height meant Wonthaggi were able to effectively defend.
The Power put on four goals to none in the opening term, leaving the Lions seemingly on the ropes.
But from there, coach Declan Keilty went to work.
Tall recruit Nick Prowse was moved to full forward, and as midfielders like Riley Baldi, Ben Daniher and Jacob Wood got their hands dirty, the positional change reaped its rewards.
Prowse immediately impacted the scoreboard, and from there Moe slowly dragged the margin back, until it was an even game at the final change of ends.
Despite the Power's talent around the ball, they were unable to stem the tide of Moe's momentum, the Lions running away with the game with five final quarter goals. Prowse would finish his day with the same number, kicking five in a vital role.
Former-Collingwood player Isaac Chugg starred for Wonthaggi, as did Shannon Bray and Aiden Lindsay, but after quarter time the Power were simply outworked and outplayed.
Moe now retain their top spot on the ladder, and despite losing Jaksch appear a serious contender for this year's flag, assuming their injury list doesn't spiral as it did last season.
Sale vs Maffra
Sale have managed to escape a 0-3 start to their season, but not without plenty of trouble, after coming back to beat Maffra
Having been cursed with injuries in their first few weeks, last year's runners-up looked to be in danger as their bitter rivals skipped away to an early four-goal lead.
But, as experienced teams like Sale know how to do, the Magpies were able to steady the ship. After kicking just three goals in the first half, dominant third term saw them put on six to turn a 21-point deficit into a 12-point lead.
Sale would never relinquish said lead, eventually winning 12.11 (83) to 10.9 (69).
It was their experienced stars getting the job done, as Jack McLaren and Shannon Lange were up to their usual tricks. That would have displeased Maffra, but not quite as much as seeing former-Eagle Hudson Holmes crashing packs and winning the ball in the black and white.
Ed Carr, Nathan Pollard and Brayden Monk were all a big part of the Eagle' early dominance, but when Sale clicked into gear even they couldn't help to stop them.
Traralgon vs Morwell
Traralgon have put on a Saturday night special to thrash Morwell to the tune of 68 points.
Playing in a rare game under lights, the Maroons were completely ruthless as they put the young Tigers to the sword early and refused to let up, winning 14.18 (102) to 5.4 (34).
The defensive aspects of their game would have been especially pleasing, as Traralgon managed to keep their opponents to just one major for the entire first half.
The likes of Hugh Dunbar and Mitch Membrey didn't let up for the entire night, giving the Morwell forwards no time or space to do what they wanted. And with Jackson McMahon and Tye Hourigan winning the ball at will, it made it a tough night to be a forward wearing yellow and black.
The first half bombardment essentially left the result decided by the time the main break came around, allowing the home fans to enjoy their side putting on a show.
The result was an extremely disappointing one for Morwell though. The surprise finalists of 2022, the Tigers haven't looked like the side that charged into the top five against all odds last year.
Ryan Hearn performed admirably under incredible duress at full back, as Brandon Mcauliffe and Sam Walsh showed solid form, but there's reason to be concerned by the Tigers. Had a couple of kicks gone the other way in their match against Drouin last week, they could be 0-3.
Lose against Warragul next week and the alarm bells might just start ringing.