Gippsland Times | MAFFRA put in its best performance of the Gippsland League football season, defeating Wonthaggi by 62 points.
After defeating the third-placed Power 18.10 (118) to 8.8 (56), the Eagles moved to equal points with ladder leader Leongatha, which will play during the second half of the split round next weekend.
Full forward Darren Sheen showed his class, outmuscling opponents to finish with eight goals. Sheen was also instrumental in setting up goals for teammates.
Jake Roe-Duggan kicked three goals.
The Eagles put in a four-quarter performance against another premiership contender.
Trent Knobel made the most of Earl Shaw's absence to dominate the ruck contests against Toma Huther. This was a major factor in the Eagles' control of the midfield.
Kel Porter was again hard at the ball and used it well, as was Jackson Scott.
Joel Lambourn and James Huts led a tight Maffra defence which only conceded eight goals.
With captain Sam Pleming injured, the Eagles welcomed back Daniel Bedggood and James Read.
The Eagles dominated the proceedings early, getting out to a 15-point lead before the visitors lifted to level the scores in time-on of the first quarter.
An Andrew Petrou tap from a ruck contest set-up a goal from Roe-Duggan before Winston Gieschen booted a major to give the Eagles a 12-goal lead at the first break.
The second quarter was a tight and free flowing affair, with pressure exerting by both sides forcing turnovers.
The Eagles booted two goals to one to extend their lead to 20 points by half-time.
The Eagles have struggled during third quarters this season, but turned that around on Saturday, booting four unanswered goals to go into the final term leading by 44 points.
The ball virtually remained in the Eagles' attacking half for the term as Sheen kicked two goals, Danny Butcher benefitted from a 50 metre penalty and Porter added a major.
Maffra didn't rest on its laurels, as it run away with the contest during the final term, booting six goals to three to complete a dominant performance.
Ben Eddy and Adam Cook were the Power's best players.
