Gippsland Times |
MAFFRA had to work hard to secure third place on the Gippsland League football ladder and the double chance during the finals.
The win sets-up a qualifying final this Saturday against Morwell.
At Warragul, the home side burst out of the blocks, kicking seven goals to three to lead by 26 points at quarter-time.
The Eagles lifted in the second term, booting five goals to three to reduce the deficit to 15 points by half-time.
The Gulls responded to every challenge the Eagles threw at them during the third term with both sides kicking two goals each. The Gulls led by 16 points at the final change and appeared poised for an upset win.
With their double chance on the line, the Eagles lifted again during the final term to claim a nine-point victory.
Dan O'Brien was instrumental in the comeback, running hard and using the ball well. Jackson Scott, Ben Coleman, Sam Tudor and James Hammill also contributed.
Adrian Burgiel again proved dangerous in attack, with he and Darren Sheen finishing with four goals each. Sheen claimed the league goal kicking award with 96 goals, the most ever by a Maffra player in this competition.
Clinton Rowe led the midfield charge for the Gulls, Josh Helliwell played well in defence.
Ben Drew kicked seven goals, the most by a Warragul player against Maffra since Simon Byrne booted seven in 1989 but short of the 12 Jim McGrath kicked against the Eagles in 1960.
Maroons in control
TRARALGON controlled proceedings against Leongatha but was never able to dominate.
Set-up by three unanswered goals in the first term, the Maroons had to work hard for their 11.14 (80) to 7.6 (48) win.
Adrian Slottje, Jackson Hall and Jayden Steers were the Maroons' best, while Dan McKenna and Jackson Hall kicked four and three goals respectively.
Zac Vernon was the Parrots' best with Cade Maskell kicking four goals.
Strong Power
WONTHAGGI was too strong for Drouin, winning by 102 points.
The Hawks were kept score-less during the first and third quarters and the Power dominated, winning 17.26 (128) to 4.2 (26). The Power's accuracy in front of goal is something that needs to be rectified ahead of the finals.
Aaron Ware was the Power's best player with support from Tim Gilliland and Nathan Jones. Adam Cook kicked six goals against his former club.
Jay Barr was the Hawks' best.
Even season for Redlegs
BAIRNSDALE finished the season with a nine-nine record following a hard fought win at Moe.
The bottom-placed Lions took the contest up to the Redlegs, leading at quarter-time by two points and trailing by a goal at half-time.
A four-goal to one third term extended the Redlegs' lead before an even final term saw the visitors win 10.7 (67) to 6.7 (43).
The Redlegs were led by Dale Johnson, Luke Dyer and Bayden Ashgwood with James Gibbs booting four goals.
Karl Mutke kicked six goals for the Lions, who were led well by Jacob Wood, Clinton Taylor and Peter Ainsworth in his club games record match.
