FOOTBALL

MID GIPPSLAND

By ROB POPPLESTONE

 

THE Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League was last week recognised as one of the most even and competitive football competitions in regional Victoria.

But in Round 12, the results of some big matches would also clear a pathway for many clubs to take a step towards bigger and better things, some down a bumpy road, and some needing to accept the dead end that lays ahead.

 

Yinnar 21.6 (132) def Tarwin 2.10 (22)

IT was third-placed Yinnar travelling to the home of fifth-placed Tarwin, both clubs fully aware that there was an enormous amount riding on the result.

The loser, to start to feel the pressure of a trailing pack, the winner to breathe a sigh of relief – albeit just for a week.

Some fresh air for Yinnar, and now pressure mounted on the Sharks after the Magpies had the most comfortable of victories, 21.6 (132) to 2.10 (22), at Tarwin Lower Recreation Reserve.

Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch was impressed by what his side dished up away from home.

“Tarwin on their home ground is always hard to beat and we prepared for a tough encounter,” he said.

“The game was hot early and we managed to get our brand of footy going in the second quarter and went into halftime with a handy buffer.

“We continued on in the second half and ran the game out well. One of the most pleasing aspects was the even contribution from right across the field for all four quarters. “

The Magpies’ victory, one of their best for 2025, was a reassuring one for coaches and supporters alike, and not only did they put their best out there for everyone to see, it also put a substantial dent in the confidence of the Sharks.

 

Fish Creek 11.13 (79) def Boolarra 8.6 (54)

AS tough as Boolarra found last year’s grand finalists Yinnar just a week ago, there was an expectation that the challenge was going to be that much tougher when the Demons welcomed the two-time reigning premier Fish Creek to their home ground.

Boolarra needing a win, just to keep in touch with the six clubs above them, now face a fight of enormous proportions after succumbing to the Kangaroos, 11.13 (79) to 8.6 (54), at Boolarra Recreation Reserve.

The final siren finishing what was a testing day for the home side, even before the first bounce for Demons coach Brendan Mason.

“The revolving door at selection was at an all time low this week with the final side not confirmed until after 2 pm on game day,” he said.

“Match day late withdrawal was compounded by two reserves players being injured in their game and unable to fill their role in the senior side as a result.

“Third choice backup player joined the senior list with their name going on the team sheet after 2pm.

“The first half was an arm wrestle between two powerful midfields, the fish Creek advantage being that they were able to rotate heavily during this time which paid great benefits for them as the game wore on.

“We didn’t want to be content with yet another decent effort against a good side. We threw caution to the wind in an attempt to win the game in the last quarter.”

That attempt might not have worked, but it showed that Boolarra are courageous enough to try.

Fish Creek coach Jarrad Walker was respectful of their opponents’ efforts.

“A hard fought win for us. Boolarra definitely came to play, they were really hard at the contest and spread really well, which made defending hard,” he said.

 

Toora 21.8 (144) def Hill End 14.10 (84)

AFTER manfully fighting through the first 10 rounds of the season it was a demoralising loss to Fish Creek in Round 11 that had most wondering whether that defeat might be enough to topple the Hillsmen over and accept that a victory might avoid them for the entire 2025 season.

At the same time the visiting Magpies still gave themselves an outside chance of a late finals surge, but to do so they could not afford to drop this one.

Toora’s 50-point victory, enough to keep the Magpies well and truly motivated in the back half of the year, winning 21.18 (144) to 14.10 (84), at Willow Grove Recreation Reserve.

Magpies coach Jay Acardi was more than pleased with the winning performance.

“We were greeted with perfect conditions at Willow Grove yesterday when we took on Hill End. Another tough encounter against a young side who didn’t take a backward step,” he said.

It’s a bit like Groundhog Day for the Rovers, where it appears that every Saturday seems to be similar to that of the week before, but like Bill Murray in the movie, improvements are being made so that they can eventually get the result they are after.

Hill End coach Adrian Burns echoed those sentiments.

“We played some really good football at times and it was great to see the young fellas kick a score, if this club can keep and move forward with the youngsters, I see some better days ahead”

There will be a bit happening at the home of Hill End this coming week with former AFL player Will Schofield joining the Rovers as part of the Carlton Draught series.

His experience and presence another learning block for the young Rovers.

 

Mirboo North 15.17 (107) def Newborough 3.6 (24)

BOTH sides just one game behind sixth-placed Thorpdale prior to Round 12, approached the clash as if it might have been a final, and in some ways it was, with the loser destined to face a tough trek to the end of the home-and-away season.

Pressure builds diamonds and Mirboo North not only applied some real pressure on Newborough, their comprehensive victory has them in the finals conversation once more, after a 15.17 (107) to 3.6 (24) drumming at Mirboo North Recreation Reserve.

A whole club effort on the day, Tigers coach Damian Turner praised all that unfolded.

“Such a fantastic day all round. A clean sweep in the footy (3rds, 2s & 1s) for the first time for the season, and to put four solid quarters together and celebrate Josh Taylor’s 250th was so pleasing,” he said.

“We showed some real improvement around the ball, and now hope to build some real momentum.”

The Tigers have endured some highs and lows throughout the 2025 season as they manage the inconsistencies of youth and an unsettled squad, but the weekend confirmed that the patience that has been given might pay off.

Newborough coach Patt Frendo didn’t mince his words.

“Extremely disappointing performance by us at Mirboo North,” he said.

“Flat footed from the first bounce, they hit it harder and wanted it more. Really bright future for those boys with some outstanding young players starting to emerge.”

Some losses hurt more than others and this one was a devastating one for the Bulldogs, their finals hopes not over but dark clouds are starting to gather over at the kennel.

 

Foster 23.8 (156) def Morwell East 6.4 (40)

WITH the chances of finals, both realistically and mathematically gone for the home ground Hawks, the weekend was always going to be a tough task both mentally and physically for Morwell East.

Taking on the top of the table Foster, it would be pride in performance that would need to be called on, maybe not to win, but rather, not to be embarrassed by a humiliating loss.

The result however, was another blow for the Hawks, in a 23.8 (156) to 6.4 (40) decider at Ronald Reserve.

One of the best wins on the year for the Tigers, Foster coach Sam Davies spoke of such.

“Potentially our most complete four quarter game so far this year which was really pleasing – our focus was on contest and competing in all areas of the ground and we had 21 winners across the lines,” he said.

It’s the performance a coach dreams of, when every player contributes to the team, Foster seemingly improving as each week passes.

Morwell East coach Paul Henry heaped plenty of praise on the firing opposition.

“We have had some big defeats this year. The weekends defeat at the hands of Foster was something else. They are the best team we’ve played this year,” he said.

“The third quarter was our only quarter we matched them but we were still outscored. Unbelievable goal kicking from them!”

 

Thorpdale 12.13 (85) def Stony Creek 11.14 (80)

TWO wins from their weekend opponent and sixth-placed Thorpdale, were well aware that it was a do or die clash for them.

A win would provide a glimmer of hope that finals was still a possibility, a loss however would have them floundering and hoping for a miracle as they faced the remaining six rounds of the home-and-away season.

The result, another one kick loss, a devastating blow for the lions, coming in a 12.13 (85) to 11.14 (80) outing at Stony Creek Racecourse.

The visiting Blues didn’t have everything go their way, in fact it was their opponents Stony Creek who actually helped their cause.

As a result, Thorpdale coach Daniel Taylor applauded what eventuated.

“It was a week when player availability was at an all time low with only 33 players available on the day,” he said.

“Big shout out to Stony for helping us out with numbers so we could get a reserves side on the park.

“The aim was to get a win in the seniors and not forfeit the twos so pretty happy we ticked that box for the day.”

 

MDU had the bye.