Lions lose first match
Teams were out to go into next week's bye on a positive note as two contenders played out a classic. Here's what you might have missed in the Gippsland League this week.
Moe vs Traralgon
Moe's undefeated start to the season came to an end over the weekend as they were knocked off at home by fellow premiership hopeful Traralgon.
The Lions were forced to play catch-up for much of the day and although they threatened to steal the game late, they ultimately succumbed 11.9 (75) to 13.12 (90)
A heroic six-goal performance from Maroons spearhead Brett Eddy proved to be the difference between the sides, who played out a quality, competitive match befitting of two top five teams.
Some early inaccuracy from the Maroons had them looking threatening without being punishing, before a six-goal second term flurry had them 25 up at the main break.
Eddy was the main threat up forward, Tom Schneider played his usual vital hand in the middle, while Conor Little's contributions proved influential.
To their credit, however, the Lions refused to lie down.
Where they'd let the contest get away from them in the second term, Moe's mids went to work in the third.
Harry Sim was a major factor, as were Scott van Dyk and James Blaser, as the Lions kicked four goals to two to reduce the margin back to two goals at the final change of ends.
The Lions managed to get the margin to single digits in the final term, their home fans willing them on, but eventually the Maroons did enough to claim the win.
Moe and Traralgon remain in second and third places respectively, but now only percentage separates them.
Moe will now almost certainly use the week off to map out a plan of attack as they prepare to take on the top-of-the-table Leongatha.
Morwell vs Leongatha
A Tom Marriott masterclass has seen Leongatha over the line against a spirited Morwell.
The reigning Trood Award and Rodda Medallist was at his very best, dominating through the middle as well as sneaking forward for three goals.
Marriott was cleaner around goals than some of his teammates, the Parrots' inaccuracy keeping Morwell in the contest for three quarters in the 11.18 (84) to 7.6 (54) win.
In fact, going into the final quarter, the Parrots had 10 more scoring shots to lead by the same number.
But in the end, the dam wall that had threatened to break for most of the game did just that.
Before that point, however, the Tigers appeared at times as if they would take advantage of the Parrots' sloppiness around goal.
Brandon McDonald (five goals) was on a warpath for the visitors, keeping them in the contest at various times.
Backman Ryan Hearn was also outstanding, helping to keep Jenson Garnham and Jack Ginnane – two players who have kicked 38 goals between them over the past three weeks – to just one each.
It must be remembered the Tigers were a team that troubled the Parrots last year, getting within a goal of them on Leongatha's home turf.
But ultimately it was Marriott, along with his partners in crime Cade Maskell and Aaron Heppell, who ensured the Parrots party would continue for a 34th straight match. Bairnsdale vs Wonthaggi
Wonthaggi kept things breezy in a big win over Bairnsdale.
The Power conceded five goals in the first term before restricting their opponents to just three more for the match as they marched on 18.21 (129) to 8.7 (55).
It was a big day for Power ruckman Toma Huther, while inside midfielder Brodie Mabila kicked four goals in a dominant display.
Despite the final result, the teams looked in for a tough day at the office when the half time margin was a slender 10 points Wonthaggi's way.
From there though the Power did it all their way, making the long journey worth it with a 10-goal-to-one second half.
The coach and captain tried their best for Bairnsdale as Logan Austin and Brayden McCarrey were earnest in their endeavour, but they couldn't stop the Power's surge.
With the top four having seemingly separated themselves from the pack, Bairnsdale's spot in the top five now looks precarious.
They enjoyed a strong first few rounds but have come crashing down to earth in recent weeks.
The sides outside the five will undoubtedly be eyeing them off as the team to catch.