FOOTBALL
MID GIPPSLAND
By ROB POPPLESTONE
MOST Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League clubs, even after a long preseason and a Round 1 clash under their belt, are still very much finding their feet in the early part of the year.
However, doing so as quickly as possible is crucial, as sides attempt to be part of the leading pack rather than chasing and hoping for results to fall their way in the months ahead.
Boolarra 10.8 (68) def Mirboo North 5.4 (34)
OPENING round wins to these two sides relieved none of the pressure going into the second round of the season.
The Demons, with finals aspirations, needed to win a game like this, and did just that, 10.8 (68) to 5.4 (34) at Boolarra.
Winning coach, Brendan Mason said victory was hard fought.
“A terrific win in trying conditions that saw both sides calling for the pickle juice at three quarter time,” he said.
“We took a very nervous 13-point lead into the long break and whilst happy with the work done we knew Mirboo North would come hard after the break which they did.”
Bailey Flanigan blanketed the dangerous returning Tiger key forward Riley Gillian, which stemmed the Tiger attack to the point they were held to a single major after the main break.
Simon Noy and Tim Potter were everywhere, and utilised the ruck work of Dillion Leys and Tim Dowe to advantage.
After getting a less than friendly welcome to his new club by the Mirboo North lads, Nathan Giardina set about playing some serious footy. His two goals were the cream on the cake for him.
Reduced to 17 men and no bench, which compounded a late withdrawal that necessitated club stalwart James Holmes playing eight quarters for the day, this was a win to be enjoyed for Boolarra.
The Demons are slowly laying the foundation from which to build a successful season, and their dismantling of the Tigers given the personnel pressure they were under added to the merit of the victory. But the Tigers too, even in defeat, walked away with a handful of positive learnings.
“Proud of our effort but we really need to sharpen up over the break. Take nothing away from Boolarra, they are much improved,” Mirboo North Coach, Damien Turner said.
“I feel we got our hands on the ball enough but too many simple mistakes cost us.”
That much-improved Boolarra was on show at the weekend, and an off season of savvy recruiting, complimented by a robust preseason has many in the competition raising their eyebrows at the good early work of the Demons.
Morwell East 12.8 (80) def Hill End 11.8 (74)
EVEN in a long season, some sides can feel the pressure more acutely than others, and there was no doubt the Hawks were feeling the heat after their shock loss to Thorpdale in the opening round.
The home side very nearly avoided disaster, after falling over the line 12.8 (80) to 11.8 (74).
A knee injury to Matt Cunnningham in the second quarter certainly didn’t help the Hawks’ cause, but credit should be paid to both clubs for fighting this one to the end.
As important as success was for Morwell East, it was one that got away for the Rovers, who remain on the hunt for a rare win in recent years.
Yinnar 17.17 (119) def Toora 7.9 (51)
THE clash of the Magpies on Yinnar’s home ground was one in which the visitors were aware of the enormity of the task.
Toora, regardless of result, wanted to see first-hand what they might need to do to compete with one of the best in the league.
The answer was, still quite a bit, after going down 17.17 (119) to 7.9 (51).
Toora matched it with Yinnar in the first quarter, heading into the first break level on 22 points, before the home side broke clear.
Foster 14.12 (96) def Newborough 5.9 (39)
FOSTER had to sit and watch Round 1 as a consequence of their first week bye, but if they had spent time to watch Newborough, they would have been under no illusions as to the enormity of the task given the visiting Bulldogs’ impressive first round victory over Meeniyan Dumbalk United.
The Tigers, however, were well and truly ready, jumping out of the blocks beautifully to begin their season with an impressive 14.12 (96) to 5.9 (39) victory.
At this early stage of the year, it is really difficult to line up form from one week to the next, but certainly in the first fortnight Newborough has had rapidly contrasting results.
MDU 17.11 (113) def Thorpdale 11.9 (75)
THE Demons were eager to move on from their first round loss to Newborough, but remained wary of a visiting Thorpdale side that came with winning form from the week before.
Playing in front of a healthy home ground provided the perfect setting for an improved performance, which saw MDU winners 17.11 (113) to 11.9 (75).
Tarwin 7.10 (52) def by Stony Creek 12.6 (78)
IT was inevitable that one of these two sides would register their first win, the unfortunate truth was that one would also register their second loss.
The Sharks, hosting the Lions, found themselves chasing their opponents for most of the day, leading to a 12.6 (78) to 7.10 (52) victory for Stony Creek.
FISH CREEK had the bye.
