The Courier |
BALLARAT has established itself as the final piece of the Ballarat Football League's September puzzle with a 28-point victory over Melton South at Alfredton Oval on Saturday.
The Swans had too much class for the Panthers in the all-or-nothing-game, running out 10.10 (70) to 6.6 (42) round 16 winners.
Ballarat entered the match in sixth position on the ladder, just one win clear of the Panthers in seventh, and it was clear within the first five minutes of the bounce just how important the outcome was to both sides.
The Swans' absorbed Melton South's early pressure and returned it with interest to kick four goals in a row to lead by 18 points at the first break.
The Panthers came out fighting in a heated second quarter that yielded two red cards and then a headcount in bizarre circumstances.
Mathew Sutton bagged two goals in a row to drag the Panthers right back into the contest, but his efforts were soured by red cards to Doug Thomas and Anthony Cristafaro.
Ballarat coach Ash Baker then called for a headcount which resulted in mass confusion but no penalties. Thomas was cited for misconduct and Cristafaro for umpire abuse. Both will front the tribunal.
Red carded players are not allowed to return to the field and cannot be replaced for 20 minutes, meaning the Panthers were down to 16 men.
However it was believed Melton South still had too many players on the field, but the count revealed everything to be accurate.
The Swans dominated after the major break, spreading the Panthers across the field and locking the ball in the forward half to dictate play for most of the second half.
"It was a heavy slog and we started well with a lot of intent and focus," Ballarat coach Ash Baker said after the win.
"For us it was a case of win and go two games clear or drop back and give the other teams a chance at finals.
"It's hard to gauge how well we played, given the conditions, but it was a good solid performance by the boys our effort and determination was the most pleasing aspect."
Melton South now faces an empty, bitter remainder of the season and will fight out seventh placing with Bacchus Marsh.
"It was crunch game for us, we had to win it but despite our efforts we couldn't get the job done," Melton South assistant coach Darren Stanley said.
"The conditions were tough and Ballarat were probably a couple of less skill errors above us.
"We approach every game of the season with the mentality to try and win and that's what we'll do for the last two games of the season."
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