The 2014 Grand Final rematch between Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers and Woomelang Lascelles has finished in a nail biter with the reigning premiers sneaking over the line by just 3 points.
The Cats were determined to over-turn the result from last year and fought hard for 4 quarters but finished just short. The Tigers had all the play in the first quarter but couldn't capitalize scoring just one goal from their five shots.
Woomelang got themselves back in the game in the second term with classy onballers Devin McFarlane and Jack Shannahan able to get loose and find plenty of the ball. They battled it out with young up-and-comer Tom Considine and experienced hand Col Durie who were influential for the Tiges.
Neither team gave an inch with no more than 3 points separating the teams at the end of the second and third terms.
The Tigers were reliant on their key forwards Jordan Doering and Jarrod Arentz, who kicked seven of their team's ten goals. On the other hand Woomelang Lascelles shared the load having nine different goal kickers; Arnold Kirby the only player to kick multiple goals.
With teams set to play each other four times for the year it seems these two clubs are going to be in for some great battles even before finals start.
In game two it was the Giants who were able to get the monkey off the back grinding out their first win as a new club. This leaves Walpeup Underbool 0-2 leading into the week off and having to play catch up.
A tricky breeze at the Hopetoun Recreation Reserve made for inaccurate kicking for both teams. The Giants could have had a much larger advantage after quarter time but were attacking from the dead side of the ground, resulting in 3 goals and seven behinds.
They were able to straighten up through Kain Robins and Brock Orval in the second quarter piling on 6 goals to the Roos' one. It was always going to be hard for the Roos to get back into the game from here. However with the game slowing down in the second half it seemed to suit the Roos' style of play. Ball winners Shane Birss, Ben Fisher and Joshua Coates all started to build in confidence and helped their team to stay within a goal of the Giants after half time.
The damage was already done. The late inclusion of Lucas Cook and Riley Botheras to the Giants' line up provided stability down back and first use of the ball at stoppages. Clint Burdett and Haydn Drew made the most of this and were on the receiving end and many taps to advantage.
The Giants will be happy to have a win on the board and hold a position in the top four. All teams will enjoy a week off for the Anzac Day weekend after 2 hard fought games of footy to rest the bodies and set themselves for round 3.
By Dale Shannon