More then the four points were on the line in the match of the round between equal fifth placed GORMANDALE and Sale City.Making a late charge towards September action the Dogs had impressed over the last month and were aiming to seal a finals berth.
But it was last years grand finalists that burst out of the blocks kicking away to an early five goal lead in an impressive display of football.
Leaving the door ajar for challengers such as Saturday’s opponent City, the Tigers were convincing in the opening term hitting their marks early as they set about booking an elimination berth.
Gormandale burst from the middle of the ground at the opening bounce, the first major registered in minutes by Steve Burgess.
A snap shot 10 metres out had the visitors second, as the Tigers piled on three unanswered majors with the home side failing to have any impact on the match early.
Poor disposal by the Dogs wasn’t aiding their cause, nor was Gormandale’s accuracy in front of goal Luke Hegarty adding another as the game threatened to blow open mid way through the first term.
City opened their account before Jack Marino and Paul Richards added consecutive goals to blow the margin out to five goals.
Richards had his second as the Tigers took a commanding six goal lead into the first change,1.3 (9) to 7.3 (45).
Goaling either side of quarter time, the Tigers appeared poised to run away with the game however the goals dried up in the second term.
City added four goals to one as they kicked their way back into the match Justin Brown and Luke Hedger making the most of their opportunities in front of the sticks.
Rod McGiness began to dominate possessions with Clint Counahan finding himself free to direct traffic through the middle of the ground.
While City big names were kept in check David Downes feeling the raft of attention by Lee Renton and coach Nick Hider closely watched by the Tiger’s midfield, a number of sides experienced players stepped up Brown and Nigel McGrath the generals at either end of the ground.
The Dogs reeling the margin back to 16 points at the long change.
The Dogs chipped away at the Tigers in a tight third term, neither side able to break clear as they matched one another goal for goal.
The Tigers registered the opener, before the visitors added three unanswered goals, Daniel Domailles shot hard on the boundary line extending the margin to 29 points.
City responded to the challenge adding two quick ones, forward Brown with a miracle goal bending the ball back to score.
The momentum continued to swing either way in final term, Gormandale with the opener before City responded.
Hegarty slotted through his fourth as the tide swung the way of the Tigers.
Gormandale added four goals to three in the fourth to run home comfortable 26 point victors, 15.10 (100) to 11.8 (74).
The Tigers early ambush of the Dogs, which saw them boot the opening five goals holding the visitors in good stead for the remainder of the match.
Ladder leaders HEYFIELD proved far too strong for Cowwarr, the Kangaroos bouncing all over the Saints to record a 112 point victory.
The match was evenly placed at the first change both sides desperation at the ball evident with the visitors taking an 11 point lead into the break.
Heyfield set the tone in the second term holding the home side at bay as they kicked 6.3 (39) to 2.1 (13) to take a commanding lead into half time.
The Kangaroos powered away in the second half piling on 15 goals to three led by best on ground Lyell Berry who booted 10 of his sides 24.
Heyfield recording an 18 goal victory 24.14 (158) to 6.10 (46), Brett Szabo booted four with Nick Dowse finishing the match with three.
Defender Justin Cox led from the front with Nathan Wellins and Jesse Jackway solid performers.
Saint Chris Stasinowsky booted three, captain Luke Cooper was judged best on ground with Brett Street and Cory Bannister notable contributors.
ROSEDALE provided the upset of the round, defeating fourth placed Woodside to the tune of 10 goals, 20.13 (133) to 10.13 (73).
Getting away to a solid start the Blues took a slender 14 point lead into the first change.
With a number of their stars on the sidelines the Wildcats struggled to match the Blues in the second term, the home side extending the margin to 21 at the main break.
Holding Woodside to three behinds in the premiership term, the Blues ran away with the match booting 5.4 (34) in third term Brad Caldwell and Rick Galea the impetus in the forward line.
Gerard Barnes and Craig Mayman were instrumental for the Blues, with Caldwell (five) and Galea (three) the pick of the goal kickers.
Nick Stockdale, Mark Collison and Andrew Joyce were among the best for Woodside.
BOISDALE moved into the top three with a seven goal victory over Glengarry at home.
Led by best on ground Luke Pratt the Bombers never looked threatened against the Magpies, Boisdale building on their lead at each change to seal their twelfth win of the season.
Matt Forsyth was among the goals booting four, with Pratt chiming in with two.
Aaron Winkler and Rob Cahill finished with three a piece for the Magpies, with youngster Vincent O’Mara and experienced campaigner Trevor May among the sides best.
Inaccurate kicking by TTU ensured that Stratford remained in the hunt in their clash at Tyers 13.21 (990 to 10.8 (68).
Boasting 34 scoring shots to 18, the Bombers failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal as the Swans kept within range.
The Bombers kicked four goals to two in the first quarter before a further four goals in the second to take a commanding five goal lead into the long break.
The two sides kicked two a piece in the third term, the Bombers taking a 34 point lead at the last change.
Wade McNeill and Greg Booth impressed for the Bombers with Noel Jansz and Chris Camm among the Swans better players.
By Lauren Carey
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