ROB POPPLESTONE and LIAM SMITH*
FOOTBALL
MID GIPPSLAND
By ROB POPPLESTONE
IT makes you wonder whether there is a closer competition anywhere in regional Victoria.
Whereas in many leagues you can already predict the likely make-up of the finals, the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League is once again showcasing one of the more competitive, even and enjoyable competitions of them all.
Thorpdale v Hill End
THERE has not been too many times in recent years that Thorpdale were in a position to make it two wins in a row, but that’s exactly what was on offer for the Blues last weekend when they welcomed Hill End.
Thorpdale started the game as warming favourites and deservingly so, and went on to secure an impressive 16.13 (109) to 8.6 (54) victory.
Blues coach Jason Winderlich was pleased with the result.
“Slow start in the first half with our work around the contest. Once we tidied up our contested work and pressure around the ball our offence flowed from there,” he said.
“Huge test against another top three team this week at Morwell East. Another big week of recovery and training is required to give ourselves the best opportunity to compete.”
Thorpdale has surprised teams in the competition in recent weeks as they make the most of every opportunity.
The win gave two-time Thorpdale best-and-fairest winner and former captain Shannon Pickering even more reason to celebrate his 200th game.
Hill End coach Mike Santo paid credit to the Blues.
“Lack of consistent effort throughout the game cost us again,” he said.
“We string some impressive passages together but can’t maintain it for any length of time. Thorpdale wore us down and deserved the win, another tough challenge next week (against MDU).”
Mirboo North v MDU
THERE was always going to be a lot to learn from this clash between fifth-placed Mirboo North and fourth-positioned Meeniyan Dumbalk United.
The Tigers, backing up on their home ground after their surprise loss to Thorpdale just seven days before, were expecting to feel the heat early from a confident Demons team. The heat is what they got, but nonetheless, Mirboo North prevailed, winner 9.7 (61) to 7.9 (51).
“Twenty mills of overnight rain made the ground pretty heavy going,” Mirboo North coach Peter Mongta said.
“We felt like we had control of the game in the first half but MDU outworked us in the third but didn’t capitalise. The last three minutes of the fourth quarter MDU kicked three quick goals to narrow the margin to 10 points.”
The Demons have been solid for much of the year, but now need to chase down their first away win to stay with the top sides.
“Mirboo North outworked and outplayed us on their home deck. Next week we go to Hill End and need to get our first win away from home,” MDU coach Nathan Allen said.
There is improvement being shown from almost every side in the competition, but somehow some sides have to find even more.
Yinnar v Tarwin
THE Sharks had not forgotten the Magpies kicked them out of the finals race in 2022, and to that end, were keen to put on a show that went some way to turning the tables on Yinnar’s home ground.
Entering Round 5, the home team sat third and the visitors six, but with a superior percentage meaning a win for Tarwin would have them likely jump a spot or two up the ladder.
What unfolded however was a surprisingly comfortable win for Yinnar 16.6 (102) to 5.6 (36).
Yinnar coach Daniel Taylor labelled it his side’s best win for the season so far.
“It was another solid four quarter effort by the lads, intensity and pressure was at a high level all day which energised the group as the game went on,” he said.
“Another team effort right across the board which was the most pleasing thing. Probably fair to say that Tarwin didn’t have a great day, they are a good side and I have no doubt they’ll bounce back.”
Tarwin coach Troy Hemming said it was a disappointing performance.
“We weren’t us today. We had a few patches where we could have kicked a few goals and switched the momentum but we didn’t take that opportunity,” he said.
Fish Creek v Foster
FISH Creek, eighth, met Foster, seventh, with the victor capable of jumping anywhere up to third on the ladder in one pounce.
Both the Kangaroos and Tigers were aware of the importance of the encounter and both were desperate to not burn an opportunity to stay in touch with the business end of town.
In the end, Fish Creek won a low scoring encounter 4.10 (34) to 3.5 (23).
While it wasn’t pretty, Fish Creek coach Jarrod Walker said he was happy to get the four points all the same.
“A great Gippsland day of footy, a tough slog and an arm wrestle all day. Pleased to get the win against the old foe,” he said.
Foster counterpart Sam Davies was willing to put things into context.
“We got outplayed in terrible match conditions. Horror day actually, nothing went our way. Two gifted goals in a low scoring game that couldn’t be explained doesn’t help either.”
Stony Creek v Toora
TWO teams that are working as hard as any in the competition, were given the chance for a win. They might have been 11th and 12th on the MGFNL ladder, but the clash was approached by both as if a finals spot was on offer.
The Lions were too strong, winning 11.5 (71) to 5.3 (33).
An amazingly honest Stony Creek coach Chris Verboon said postgame: “It was a strange game of footy with the umpiring decisions in the third quarter* playing a part in swinging the momentum our way. We did manage to play some clean footy in patches and use the open side of the ground.”
As much as the result was important, so too was the fundraising taking place off field.
“Was a special day to be involved in today for Stony Creek’s Big Freeze event. Congratulations to all involved,” Toora coach Jack Weston said.
“The footy was a slog all day, and aside from some lapses in concentration we put in an acceptable performance.
“Unfortunately good players and sides make you pay for these moments.”
*The Express understands umpires stopped the game in the third quarter amid allegations of umpire abuse.
By LIAM SMITH*
Newborough v Morwell East
NEWBOROUGH and Morwell East entered their Round 5 clash of the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League undefeated.
At the end of the match however, the Bulldogs were the only ones carrying this title, as they walked off their home ground 15.16 (106) to 6.11 (47) victors. The result means Newborough are outright leaders at the top of the MGFNL senior ladder.
The home side looked very strong after one quarter of play, leading 5.4 (34) to 1.3 (9), from which time they went on their merry way.
Josh Hecker, Jake Bowden, Liam Flahavin and Peter Ainsworth all stood out. Veteran Ainsworth rolled back the clock, racking up multiple possessions around the ground, contributing to a significant victory at the Kennel.
Newborough coach Craig Skinner was pleased with proceedings.
“Saturday was another hard, physical contest in heavy conditions. We were focused on starting well and playing four consistent quarters,” he said.
“Paul Henry had a team that was prepared to do the same and the game was played hard right to the end.
“After five weeks we’ve played all the top five sides and now head to Toora on the bus and like every other week, never 100 per cent sure what to expect from a South Gippsland side playing at home.”
Hawks ruckman Isaac Abas was a dominant force, however the team failed to take advantage of his control of the hit outs. Better players for Morwell East were Tony Nicholson, Michael Diaz, Eric Semmler, Jarryd Pickett, Matt Cunningham and Brandon Francis.
“Newborough were very well organised. Their skills moving the ball were excellent,” Hawks coach Paul Henry said.
“Our skills and decisions just weren’t where they needed to be to win the game. We are disappointed as a group, but we have to accept the loss in order to move forward.”
*Liam Smith is a Year 11 student doing work placement at the Express. He was also a boundary umpire at this game.
BOOLARRA had the bye.
