Morwell East withstood a comeback from Boolarra to win 12.9 (81) over the Demons 10.8 (68) in round nine of Mid Gippsland football.
Morwell East kicked two points and a goal before Boolarra’s first goal, but the Hawks scored the next two and led by 20 points at quarter time.
Boolarra had a great start to the second and third quarters, with goals in the opening minute of each term.
In the third quarter Boolarra closed in on the Hawks’ lead to get within 10 points.
Boolarra had the momentum going into the fourth quarter and two goals in quick succession kept the Demons’ hopes alive, trailing by just five points.
The Demons scored another to lead by a point, then a Morwell East behind had the scores drawn at 61 points.
A goal by each team took the score to 67 a-piece, but the Hawks’ determination not to have a repeat of round eight saw them kick two goals and two behinds to seal the win.
Hawks coach Paul Henry said it was a great game to play in and was happy his players held on for the win.
“It was one of the most physical games I’ve played,” Henry said.
“To Boolarra’s credit it could have gone any way, but luckily we got this one.”
Ben Marks kicked seven for the Hawks, but Henry said he did not think any Hawks players were clearly better than the rest.
“It’s another team effort; that’s what I love about our side,” Henry said.
“I don’t think there are any standouts that you could say is number one.
“I think everyone’s in the best, week in, week out, different players.”
Sidelined Demons co-captain Simon Buglisi said he felt Boolarra had a lot of the ball, but made too many mistakes that led to turnovers.
“We think we had a lot of possession and enough chances with the ball, but we just didn’t use it very well at all,” Buglisi said.
Yinnar v Hill End
Yinnar was on top of Hill End almost all day and defeated the Hillmen 16.11 (107) to 10.9 (69).
The game was close until half time, with Yinnar in the lead by just 14 points at quarter time and nine points at half time.
From there, the Magpies kicked the game away from the Hillmen and stretched the margin from 27 points to win by 38 points.
Yinnar has snatched fourth spot from Hill End, which has now slipped to sixth as its diminished percentage pegs them below Yinnar and Morwell East.
Trafalgar v Yallourn/Yallourn North
Trafalgar made full use of its home ground advantage, overpowering Yallourn/Yallourn North 17.10 (112) to 5.5 (35).
Trafalgar showed its strength and efficiently put away YYN, even without the on-field guidance of playing coach Chris Kyriacou.
YYN did not play at its best and the Bloods were able to take advantage of turnovers, scoring comfortably in each of the last three quarters while the Bombers struggled.
Yarragon v Newborough
Newborough demolished an undermanned Yarragon side, 25.16 (166) to Yarragon 2.6 (18).
Yarragon was no match for the Bulldogs, though the Panthers consistently put in the effort there was no containing the Bulldogs that have the strength the Panthers lack.
Mirboo North v Thorpdale
Mirboo North continues to go from strength-to-strength, easily knocking off Thorpdale 30.11 (191) to 7.2 (44).
A final quarter 11-goal onslaught widened the margin from 87 points at three-quarter time to 147 at full time.
The Tigers had 11 goal scorers, showing their impressive depth.
Tim Traill showed off his skill booting 10 goals, and continues his reign as leading goal scorer.
Mirboo North recorded its highest score for the season, while Daniel Martin kicked four goals for the Blues.
