FOOTBALL
MID GIPPSLAND
By LIAM DURKIN and ROB POPPLESTONE
AS the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League approaches the halfway mark of the season, it is becoming evident three distinct groups are forming.
Foster, Fish Creek, Yinnar and Meeniyan Dumbalk United are looking like the top four sides, then a group of six or so teams closely follow for the remaining two spots that made up the top six finals.
This made Round 7 last weekend absolutely crucial for all teams with finals aspirations.
Thorpdale 13.8 (86) def Boolarra 8.9 (57)
IF you are key forward after more senior opportunity, Boolarra would surely love to hear from you.
The Demons need fire power up forward – and a safe word after adding another lot of injuries to their mounting list during the match against Thorpdale at the weekend.
The Round 7 contest pitted two relatively like-minded Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League teams against each other, and saw the Blues break away to win by 29 points, 13.8 (86) to 8.9 (57).
While the old adage dictates “you are only as good as your bottom six”, the reverse virtually determined the victor when players left Boolarra Recreation Reserve at game’s end.
Choosing the top six or seven players on the ground would have seen the majority of them wearing blue and white jumpers. In a game decided by five goals, having that many players from one team was reflected on the scoreboard.
The Demons were dealt a blow on the morning of the match, when reigning dual best-and-fairest winner, Simon Noy had to withdraw.
The situation meant Yinnar thirds player, Hudson Berechree made his senior debut, getting the ‘all clear’ from his home club at 10am Saturday morning. (Berechree’s dad, Scott is Boolarra’s senior assistant coach).
Not discounting the thrill of a senior debut for a youngster, the fact the Demons had to bring in a kid from another club rather than someone out of their own reserves surely gives an idea of how stretched resources have become only seven rounds in.
The cry of one Boolarra supporter when gun players Tim Potter and Tristan Salerno hobbled off the ground during the third quarter perhaps summed up the feelings of all supporting the red and blue: “Injuries, injuries, injuries.”
Thorpdale possibly assumed too much by looking at the team sheet before the game, and came into the first break seven points down.
Blues coach, Daniel Taylor gave his side a bit of a burst for “rocking up just expecting to win”, following an indifferent term.
Boolarra veteran James Holmes highlighted the opening quarter with a neat left-foot snap, and very nearly kicked goal of the century later in the game with a left-foot banana that hit the post deep in the pocket near the social rooms.
Midfield bulls Brendan Mason and James De Virgilio were into each other from the first bounce, with the opposing No 8s not taking a backward step.
Mason ended up kicking three goals, including an insane running checkside in the second quarter to be best-on-ground in defeat, although one couldn’t help but think just how dire the situation would be for the home side if he wasn’t out there.
Thorpdale remained somewhat stagnant in the second term. Not even a barrel from ruckman Gavin Low seemed enough to lift their spirits, as noticeably, not one of their three goals was really celebrated.
Come the main break, the Blues led by one point, and clicked into gear immediately upon the resumption, kicking a goal less than a minute in.
Mason was again the man for Boolarra however, and levelled the scores at 46 apiece after breaking clear from a stoppage at the seven minute mark.
A stalemate ensued for the next 10 minutes, in what was a fairly unattractive display as both teams played lucky dip just bombing the ball inside 50.
It wasn’t until a goal came from Thorpdale skipper, Travis Patten that momentum swung for the Blues, and they made it two in as many minutes with a nice piece of play from the next centre bounce.
Midfielder Jarrah Burgess was able to get on the fly and deliver to Lachlan Wallace, who went back and nailed the set shot from a 45 degree angle at the entrance end.
Wallace has joined the Blues this year, and the former Collingwood VFL player could just be one of the best kept secrets in the league.
He played alongside current Magpies captain Darcy Moore and Jamie Elliott in his younger days, and was reportedly very stiff to never get a promotion.
Boolarra kept pressing, but by now Thorpdale defender Jesse Patullo had really come to life and was clunking and rebounding most balls that came his way.
Potter came off at the 21 minute mark, squirting water into his left eye as soon as he got to the interchange.
Salerno also left the field during red time, clutching his right arm. If the tough-as-nails Salerno is leaving the field, it would have to be a serious injury. Proving just how tough he is, Salerno came back on in the last quarter. A cult hero for his very long dreadlocks, some laughter was elicited after his tennis-style headband came off in a marking contest.
With the margin only 13 points at the last break, Mason urged his team for one more effort.
“This is on the midfielders this quarter,” he said, before reminding his forwards that the ball had to be brought to ground to take Patullo out of the game.
Over in the Thorpdale huddle, Taylor instructed his forwards to play higher and spread the ground.
“Give us an extra target,” he said.
The Blues had a dream start, goaling early after a good build up from halfback.
Taylor’s game plan worked to a tee, with the ball going wide to Shannon Pickering, who then pulled his kick to Wallace inboard, who drove it in deep.
In what surely left the Boolarra coaching staff fuming, no one punched the ball through for a behind, leaving Cory Meloury to mark virtually on the goal line.
Meloury kicked his second a short time later, effectively ending Boolarra’s chances.
The Demons fought valiantly, but when Jeremiah Jones kicked his fourth for the Blues, it was just about party time.
Jones was among the best for Thorpdale, along with Wallace, Patullo, Patten, Daniel Holt and Harrison Sinclair-Stanley, who very nearly took Mark of the Year in the last quarter.
Pickering was also productive, and stood head-and-shoulders above the rest with his disposal by foot.
“He’s been really good for us this year. Different role for Shannon, great foot, Jesse Patullo as well, their foot skills were nearly the difference,” Taylor said speaking to the Express postgame.
Such foot skills wouldn’t look out of place in the Gippsland League, although it would be very difficult to get a Pickering out of Thorpdale.
His old Blues teammate and current Morwell coach, Boyd Bailey could surely find a spot for him, but it is understood Bailey (to his absolute credit) has said he will never recruit out of Thorpdale and risk potentially decimating the small club.
Taylor described the game as a “bit of a grind”, but was relatively pleased all things considered.
“Boolarra were good for the first quarter. We won a few good centre clearances to get ourselves going. We’ve got to get better at lowering our eyes but still happy to get the win,” he said.
For a team no one was really talking about during preseason, especially after the departure of gun midfielder, Anthony Rosato and high profile coach in former Essendon player and Thorpy boy, Jason Winderlich, Thorpdale are suddenly equal-second on the ladder.
The Blues may have caught a few teams off guard, which could inadvertently play perfectly into Taylor’s hands; this being the same Taylor who took Yinnar to a premiership from sixth on the ladder just three years ago.
By all accounts, their Grand Final opponent’s that day, Newborough, had no idea how good eventual best-on-ground, Ned Marsh was.
The Blues might have a similar player in Wallace.
Despite a win-loss record of four-two, it is clear Thorpdale is missing some outside run.
The Blues are expected to have Heath Ferguson back after the King’s Birthday bye to help alleviate part of that issue, and still have a few player points to play with should they wish to bring anyone in before clearances close.
Surely the bloke who played for Essendon has some names.
Weight of numbers eventually became too big a factor for Boolarra, who barely got the ball inside 50 during the last term.
Mason found support from his brother Joel, along with Potter, Mason Porykali, Salerno and Riley Johnstone-McCloud.
“With the revolving door at the selection table again seeing multiple changes the boys played a decent first half against an opposition that was also seemingly below full strength,” Scott Berechree said.
“To Thorpdale’s credit they played the full four quarters and found themselves deserved five goal winners.
“Tim Potter was in everything for us and the Mason boys too can hold their heads high in what was an otherwise disappointing second half fade out.
“If we are to return to the form that saw us start the year 3-0 we simply need to return to playing a positive style of footy and capitalising on our forward 50 entries.”
Boolarra faces an absolute must-win against Hill End this Saturday before heading into a bye.
Mirboo North 9.9 (63) def Stony Creek 8.8 (56)
SITTING in seventh position but within striking distance of a couple of teams above them,
Mirboo North was well aware just how important victory was when they welcomed an equally desperate Stony Creek.
The Lions were coming off a bye, and with fresh legs were expected to take it right up to the Tigers, which they did, but eventually falling just short.
Mirboo North won a thriller, 9.9 (63) to Stony Creek 8.8 (56).
The Tigers took their season ledger into the positive, and now sit with a win-loss record of 4-3, much to the delight of second-year playing-coach, Damien Turner.
“Huge win in the context of our season,” he said.
“We were out on our legs late, credit to Stony Creek for pushing hard and basically owning the contested ball in the last, but our boys found something when it counted. A grind, but super pleasing.
“We’ve had a few of these close games now, although it can be frustrating at times as a coach, it’s such a good learning for our young group.
“So now we roll into the double bye (regulation and King’s birthday) and at the perfect time. Plenty of sore bodies needing a rest and a great opportunity for us to take a breather, reset and build for the next block of games.”
It is a credit to both coach and club that Mirboo North has remained strong when the going was tough, especially in the aftermath of last year’s storm,
Stony Creek are so close to being where they need to be, but these close losses provide little consolation.
“We travelled to Mirboo North and had a very tough hit out against a well drilled, discipline side,” Lions coach Troy Shepherdson said.
“Off the bye we couldn’t get going until the last quarter, when we came home with a wet sail, but had too much to do to get the win.”
Given the evenness of the competition, it seems sides can’t be off their game even for the shortest of periods, without risk of it having a dramatic impact on the result.
Make no mistake, there are blue skies ahead for the Lions, and clubs will feel their wrath, but the moons will need to align and there can be no slow starts if they are to make their move up the ladder from their current position of ninth.
Toora 13.17 (95) def Morwell East 7.4 (46)
THE importance of success in this clash could not be overstated.
Morwell East hosted Toora for a rare opportunity for one to grab premiership points.
The Hawks have been a shell of their former selves so far this season, and were desperate to turn their fortunes around.
The Magpies, winless as they prepared for their Round 7 clash, were of the belief this game presented a fighting chance.
In the end, Morwell East was beaten comfortably by Toora, 13.17 (95) to 7.4 (46). A terrific for Toora, but one that will have many at Morwell East scratching their heads.
Toora Coach, Jay Acradi was ecstatic with the result.
“Really good to get our first win on the board against Morwell East in a tough contest,” he said.
“Was fairly blustery conditions and I think we were able to adapt to them quite well.”
The win was a real boost for the club, who off field are one of the strongest in the competition – the camaraderie something to behold.
Morwell East has lost its mojo, and whether it can be found again this season remains to be seen.
Hawks coach, Paul Henry did not mince words.
“We are a long way off from where we need to be to compete at this level,” he said.
“Toora were set for their first win and that they did. We were never in the game.”
The coach is not one to ever ever consider throwing in the towel, but this, one would suggest, would be one of the toughest periods of his footballing life.
It doesn’t get any easier in the week ahead, as Morwell East has Stony Creek, who themselves are fighting for survival in season 2025.
Tarwin 12.14 (86) def Newborough 13.6 (84)
THERE was nothing between these two teams on the ladder.
And so it proved in the end result, which was not actually decided until after the final siren, and saw Tarwin win by two points, 12.14 (86) to 13.6 (84).
Victorious coach, Lachie Jones breathed a sigh of relief at Shark Park.
“A solid response from our boys today. We knew coming in how crucial this game was and we implemented a few things that helped us come out on top,” he said.
“I was particularly happy with our attack in the contest and team discipline to stick to tasks and seek reward.
“We are finding some continuity to what is a fairly new playing group. Newborough kept coming all game. I thought our forwards stood tall and were rewarded.”
Bulldogs coach, Patt Frendo kept things in perspective.
“They got off to a flyer. (We) managed to fight our way back into it and took the lead early in the last quarter. Was a real back-and-forth all day and unfortunately we missed a shot on goal after the siren to win the game. Really proud of the boys, extremely undermanned and kept fighting until the very end.”
Foster 10.11 (71) def Yinnar 9.7 (61)
THIS was a mouth watering clash that had been set up on the back of an unbeaten Foster having to travel to Yinnar to take on a Magpies side looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season just a week before.
It appeared for a lot of the afternoon that Yinnar would get the points, but slowly and surely Foster reeled the Magpies to win by 10 points, 10.11 (71) to 9.7 (61).
Foster Coach, Sam Davies said it was the biggest win for the season.
“Huge win for the group. They jumped us, we lost a forward in the first and we had our backs against the wall when the score was 40-9 in the second, but we got the game back on our terms from then on,” he said.
“It was a real team effort and buy-in to keep grinding away and we backed our fitness to outrun them late. We kicked crucial goals when it mattered and it’s a game we can refer back to throughout the year when the going gets tough.”
The win maintains the Tigers’ unbeaten run, and has them firmly in top spot.
For Yinnar, it was a game in which no premiership points were taken home, but certainly no pride lost either.
“We came out and started the game with a high intensity and took advantage of the breeze,” Magpies coach, Sam McCulloch said.
“Midway through the second, Foster got on top and maintained that for a large portion of the game. We certainly still had a chance to win late in the game, but couldn’t get the job done.
“We’ve learnt a lot about ourselves over the last two weeks and will get to work over some areas we need to work on.”
MDU and Fish Creek will play a standalone game on the King’s Birthday long weekend (Saturday, June 7.)
Hill End had the bye.
