Improved Hill End in season starter
Rob Popplestone
by
There was an air of expectation as the Mid Gippsland footy season kicked off with a 2023 grand final replay.
Premiers Fish Creek had been devastated by an off-season clubrooms fire that destroyed much of the club's history. They were up against a Newborough side that was empathetic to the Kangaroos' trauma but wanting desperately to claim a first up victory.
Fish Creek v Newborough
Strong home ground support and the unfurling of the premiership flag had Fish Creek in the right frame of mind to start the 2024 season as they had left 2023 - as winners.
However, it was never going to be a cruisy day at the office against a hungry Bulldogs side.
Fish Creek had to call on their big game experience to snatch a two-point victory, 9.1064 to 9.8-62.
Fish Creek coach Jarrod Walker said the game didn't disappoint.
“A bit scrappy at times, but hardily fought out by both teams,” Walker said. “Relieved to get over the line in the end.”
“Newborough will, of course, be within the top few teams for season, so happy to pinch that one in the end.”
Newborough coach Craig Skinner said they played the competition's best and, in a physical contest, fell short again.
“We competed harder and for longer this time,” Skinner said. “We played three 17-yearolds and they are going to be good.”
MDU v Thorpdale
In two tight contests last year, the Demons got close to the Blues but fell agonisingly short.
With a home ground advantage and a strong pre-season, MDU believed that round one would tell a different story.
There was only a kick or two between these two talented sides, with the Demons up by a point at quarter time and the Blues by 11 at the major break.
MDU called on all they had in the final quarter in an attempt to claw back a 14 point deficit, only to - once again - fall short by the barest possible margin. Thorpdale won 13.684 to 12.11-83.
Thorpdale coach Jason Winderlich said it was, as expected, another tough game.
“Both teams had momentum throughout the day, but we were the lucky team to be in front at the final siren,” Winderlich said. “Lots to work on.”
MDU coach Nathan Allen said Thorpdale played a tough, skilful brand of footy.
“We were unable to convert our chances when we got momentum,” Allen said. “Proud of the fight our boys showed right to the final siren.”
No one would question the ability of the Demons. However, sometimes sides can have an edge on others and that can be a tough hoodoo to break.
Hill End v Stony Creek
Led by MGFNL superstar player Ambu Uliando, Hill End threw everything they could at anticipated improvers Stony Creek.
The Lions took a little time to shake off a determined Hill End team. The home side stayed in touch until near the half-time mark, with a one-point margin at quarter time quickly turning into a five-goal margin at the main break. The visitors then took control, winning 17.17-119 to 9.5-59.
Stony Creek coach Chris Verboon praised Hill End who came out playing some really good footy. After changing a few things up in the second quarter, Verboon was happy with how his team responded.
Uliando was under no illusions as to the challenges he would face as coach of Hill End. His goal for his men is to improve each week to build towards another surge in future seasons.
Yinnar v Toora
The clash of the Magpies gave new Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch an early look at what he had to work with and Toora a new hope of improvement after a satisfying pre-season.
It was Yinnar who indicated they may have progressed quickly from last year's fall from finals grace, winning 16.16-112 to 9.6-60
McCulloch was happy to come away with the four points after a fast and physical game.
“The win was set up in the first half and it was pleasing with the even contribution from right across the field,” he said.
Toora coach Jack Weston said it was a decent first performance, “in patches there was a lot to like”.
“As a young developing squad, we will tidy this up and with improved consistency I can see us being in games,” Weston said. “Ultimately, Yinnar's spread and cleanliness away from the contest allowed them more quality looks at goal and, to their credit, they did the damage.”
Boolarra v Mirboo North
With new coaches for both sides, it was Boolarra who walked away with the points and an impressive start to the year.
They won 14.13-97 to 8.6-54.
Boolarra coach Brendan Mason said his side didn't play their best footy but “always good to start the year with a win”
Mirboo North coach Damian Turner said his team showed good signs, especially in the first half of a heated battle.
“Consistency is going to be a focus over the season, and unfortunately this let us down in the second half,” Turner said.
Foster v Morwell East
The visiting Tiger side sent a clear message to Foster and the rest of the league that they are a more complete team than last year. Morwell East winning 17.12-114 to 6.9-45. The Hawks not only won each quarter comfortably, but also more impressively as the game went on.
“Pleasing four quarter effort by our boys in what was a very physical contest,” Morwell East coach Paul Henry said.
“Reality check,” Foster coach Sam Davies added. “They're easily the benchmark this year.”
That short but succinct observation by an experienced coach is an obvious warning shot to every side in the competition.
Bye: Tarwin.