FOOTBALL

MID GIPPSLAND

By ROB POPPLESTONE

 

AS the excitement of finals football edged closer, the tension also built as did the pressure to be part of the action.

Round 16 was seen as ‘D Day’ for a number of clubs, and so it turned out to be.

 

Boolarra 15.14 (104) def Toora 9.6 (60)

THERE was no guarantee of finals action for the winner, but it would most certainly be the end of the road for the loser as these two finals contenders clashed just weeks from week one of the finals.

Boolarra coming off a hard fought win the week prior, flexed further with a victory over Toora, 15.14 (104) to 9.6 (60) at Boolarra Recreation Reserve.

Demons coach Brendan Mason felt the result coming.

“Motivation was high heading into… (the) clash with Toora after a heart-breaking loss just three weeks ago when we last met,” he said.

“Both sides had different personnel available due to injury with both being evenly matched in a hard for first quarter, which saw us taken in a two point lead at the first break.

“We put the clamps on Lockie Marr and Jake Smart to start the second quarter and things slowly turned our way.

“With Matt Windsor turning back the clock and more than breaking even in the rock Bailey Flanagan was able to get forward and impact the scoreboard.

“The second half saw us hold and then extend our margin at each change until the final score saw us home by 45 points.

“The back six performed incredibly well carrying a couple of injured players that this weeks bye will greatly assist in getting ready for what looms as a virtual elimination final against Mirboo North in two weeks time.”

The Demons’ win maintains there position one game shy of sixth place, and importantly keeps their finals aspirations alive.

In stark contrast for Toora, the loss kills off their late season surge towards finals – coach Jay Acardi saddened.

“Obviously not the result we were after yesterday. We started well in the first quarter and were playing good football but for the last three quarters we were well off the pace.,” he said.

“To Boolarra’s credit they were able to control the match and play it on their terms.”

The Demons are one of three teams outside the six but just one win away from forcing their way further up the ladder, and with just two rounds remaining, the next fortnight promises to have quite a few clubs on the edge of their seats.

 

Foster 19.8 (122) def Morwell East 7.12 (54)

IT was the David and Goliath battle, top of the table Foster taking on cellar dweller Morwell East.

The expectation was that this might not end well for the bottom of the ladder Hawks having to face the force of the Tigers on their home ground, and so it was.

The Tigers managed comfortably over the Hawks, 19.8 (122) to 7.12 (54) at Foster Showgrounds.

Foster coach Sam Davies was nothing short of pleased.

“Second week in a row we have kept a team goalless in the first quarter and to two goals at half time which is a really big positive,” he said.

“Our contest work was really good, especially from our mids going up against big Jacobsen.

“We didn’t allow a dominance or clean takeaways from stoppage and gave our defenders every chance by putting pressure on their ball carriers. It was nice to see our forwards get reward too.”

For the Hawks, it was frustratingly the same story, some patches of what you would like to see, but too much of what you don’t.

Morwell East will welcome the reset that comes with the end of the season, with plenty of work to do in the off-season.

 

Tarwin 14.15 (99) def Hill End 10.8 (68)

UP and about with two wins under their belt in the past fortnight had Hill End believing that three in a row might be possible, even against a Tarwin side that could accept nothing less than a victory to keep their finals hope alive.

The Sharks came to play, defeating the Rovers 14.15 (99) to 10.8 (68) at Willow Grove Recreation Reserve.

Breaking a four-game losing streak, Tarwin coach Lachie Jones was happy with the result.

“We were able to set the game up in the first quarter and that proved the difference really,” he said.

“We took the game on and played with a real intensity that brought all players into the game.

“Our forwards took their chances and played with the freedom we wanted them to.

“Well done to Hill End who battled away and made us earn the 4 quarter effort.

“Fates out of our hands in some ways and we look forward to a week off next Saturday then regroup and MDU in round 18.”

After a couple of good wins for the Rovers, the Sharks proved strong, but there is still a light at the end of the tunnel for the Rovers who have made no secret of the fact that keeping and nurturing the young talent they have, coupled with some really talented and experienced personnel alongside, there will be better days ahead said coach Adrian Burns.

“Our boys can’t be questioned, they keep giving their best, it was always going to take time, a few injuries didn’t help our cause, with three of our better players going down, but it was a good game, we were right in it for a lot of the day,” he said.

The league wants and needs a strong Hill End, who for recent seasons have been fighting the best they can with the talent they have, but with some patience and guidance you can expect some brighter days ahead.

 

Fish Creek 18.11 (119) def Newborough 6.3 (39)

NO one can question the honesty in effort that comes from the home of the Bulldogs, struggling with injuries for most of the 2025 season, Newborough had still manfully positioned themselves to remain a contender.

The weekend however presented yet another challenge in the shape of Fish Creek, which in the end proved too much, winning 18.11 (119) to 6.3 (39) at Northern Reserve.

Kangaroos Jarrad Walker applauded a strong performance.

“A really good game against Newborough. It was pretty close in the first half with a few momentum swings,” he said.

“It was good to see in the second half that we stuck to the task with our work rate and pressure lifting to end up with a good win.”

You get the feeling that Fish Creek are slowly building to their best, with two premierships in the past two seasons, the possibility of further improvement is an ominous sign for any opposition, as the Bulldogs saw first hand on the weekend.

Newborough coach Pat Frendo credited his side’s opponent.

“Tough day yesterday. Very similar to the first time we played fish creek. Really did our best to stay within a few kicks right up until the third quarter and then they put the foot down blowing it right out which is disappointing,” he said.

“Credit to them, fit and firing heading into finals, they’ll be tough to beat again.”

Newborough’s season still has a heartbeat, but only just, given this coming week, the Bulldogs now face last year’s grand finalists, Yinnar, with a win crucial to keep finals hopes alive.

 

Mirboo North 8.12 (60) def Stony Creek 7.10 (52)

WHILE not having had finals action on their mind when they clashed with Mirboo North, Stony Creek were well aware that a rare win for them could derail the season for the visiting side.

In an all or nothing performance, the Tigers got by 8.12 (60) to 7.10 (52) at Stony Creek Racecourse.

Mirboo North coach Damian Turner was happy to be back on the winner’s list.

“Back into the W column with a tough fought one down at the racecourse. It was a close tussle all day and credit to Troy (Shepardson’s) group for never going away,” he said.

“I was proud that my boys stood up and had important moments when they had a too.”

The win, ensures the Tigers keep a grip on their tenuous hold on a coveted finals position and with three teams chasing their spot the pressure is unlikely to end until the very last moments of the home-and-away season.

The Lions had their chances to throw the Tigers season into disarray only to fall short and not for the first time this season.

Stony Creek Troy Shepardson acknowledged a good hit-out from both teams.

“Tough contested game against Mirboo north with many late changes but another week we fell agonisingly close at the final siren,” he said.

It’s been an unfortunate but common theme for Stony Creek, and an area to be reflected on and improved on in season 2026.

For now it’s all about those that have grabbed their chance and now have opportunity to secure a piece of the finals action.

 

BYE: MDU, Thorpdale, and Yinnar.