The Courier |
A final quarter blitz from Springbank ensured a 24-point win over Clunes on the weekend, but it didn't come easy.
The Tigers trailed a sharp Clunes outfit for much of the game, failing to match the Magpies' intensity at the contest.
With Clunes leading by a solitary point at the final break, it seemed that an upset was on the cards.
Springbank needed a lift from its best players if it was to get across the line, and that's exactly how it unfolded.
It was the likes of Luke Fisher and Ryan Knowles who lifted when called on and helped deliver the Tigers a crucial victory.
Coach Sam Giblett said the game showed that wins were hard-earned.
"We just expected it to happen, whereas they (the Magpies) made it happen," he said. "At half time, I just put it to them that they could easily let a top four position slip.
"They needed to show a bit of character and a bit of care if they wanted to win, and they did."
Springbank remains one win clear in fourth position, with a crucial game against Waubra next weekend, a team which Giblett states is the "benchmark of the competition".
For Clunes, it was a disappointing result given that it held the lead for so much of the contest.
However, the performance was a significant turnaround from the previous weekend and could serve as a platform for an improved second half of the season.
Coach Justin Johns said his team did not know how to finish off its good work.
"We had a massive week out on the track, I think we only touched the footballs for about 15 minutes," he said.
"I wanted the boys to understand what it's like to work hard, and for three quarters I think it worked.
"I just think that when the game got tight, mentally we didn't know how to win."
Clunes is in 14th place, with an important game against Skipton next weekend.
Midfielders Jason Hill and Glenn Handley were outstanding for the Magpies in the engine room, while Martin Robinson was important up forward with three goals.
Meanwhile, for the victors, forwards Tom Eltringham and Paul McMahon were both dominant, kicking bags of five and three goals respectively.
