Border Mail |
WANGARATTA will remarkably enter the final round inside the top five after a 74-point win over Wodonga Raiders on Saturday.
While the Magpies’ win was no great shock, it was the surprise result at W.J. Findlay Oval that saw Wangaratta jump into the five for the first time this year.
Wangaratta Rovers suffered a disastrous 57-point loss to Myrtleford.
Wangaratta coach Mark Knobel said the Magpies weren’t counting their chickens just yet.
They face Albury in the final round and are at long odds to cause an upset of the ladder leader.
Realistically, they need Wodonga to beat Wangaratta Rovers at John Flower Oval.
“We lost by 192 last time, so it would be a massive turnaround,” Knobel said.
“We just want to play well and finish off with a good performance.
“We’ve started to play some decent footy.
“I just want us to put up a better performance against Albury than last time, which I am sure we will.”
Wangaratta led at every change against a hapless Raiders.
Jamie Allan racked up more than 40 touches and Daine Porter wasn’t far behind.
Judd Porter was dynamic in his new role up forward, with Xavier Norden also impressive.
Wangaratta was on top early but failed to cash in on the scoreboard.
The Pies missed several gilt-edged chances in front of goal.
“We moved the ball well but there were a lot of skill errors,” Knobel said.
“We were much more efficient in the second half.”
Joel Harris and Luke Mullins were the chief destroyers for Wangaratta, booting four goals each.
Dean Limbach slotted four of the Raiders’ five goals for the game.
Things don’t get any easier for the boys from Birallee Park.
The Raiders travel to Yarrawonga to take on a resurgent reigning premier in the final round.
