FOOTBALL

MID GIPPSLAND

BY ROB POPPLESTONE

 

THEY say a week is a long time in football and the perception is no different in the MGFNL.

Just a week ago, Foster were the leagues minor premiers and favourites to go all the way, Yinnar in contrast had wobbled their way into a finals campaign.

Seven days on and the game started with the pressure on the Tigers to perform, a loss a week earlier to the famous Fish Creek, coupled with injuries to key players had many wondering whether they could bounce back against a Magpies side that had sliced through a powerful MDU team like they weren’t even there.

Ultimately, Foster bounced back, but not without some stress, winning 9.10 (64) to 9.9 (63) at Boolarra Recreation Reserve.

The start crucial for both sides to set the tone, Foster outstanding early a 13-point lead at quarter time, extended to a seemingly match-winning halftime margin of better than five goals.

The Tigers playing some of the best football of the season.

Yinnar couldn’t beat into that difference through the 30 minutes and all around expected a Tiger cruise through to the final siren.

But…The Magpies dug deep, fought hard and against the odds almost snatched the impossible victory.

Foster coach Sam Davies acknowledged what almost could have been a almighty collapse.

“Bloody hell – we fell over the line in the end. No bench for one and a half quarters meant it was proper backs to the wall and momentum is so hard to stop when they got it,” he said.

“We were really good I thought for three quarters and probably could’ve been up by more if we took our chances.

“We just didn’t execute well in the last quarter – fatigue, pressure and a good team up and about is a recipe for disaster if you ask me.

“Anyway, we move on and we are still alive with one to play. Finals footy hey!”

A slow start a killer for Yinnar, the Magpies with the Tigers on the ropes late after being beaten convincingly for much of the game, the hurt of a one-point preliminary final loss intense for coach Sam McCulloch.

“Shattered group. Very disappointing way to finish. Foster came in with good plans, they got the jump on us and we struggled to go with them early,” he said.

“Undisciplined play was what cost us the game. We gifted Foster four goals from indiscretions and we will have to stew on that over the summer.

“The belief and heart the group showed to almost come from six goals down at three quarter time and snatch victory was a credit to them.

“But obviously very rare to win big games by only playing a half of footy and another learning curve for our group that will have to drive them in the off season.”

The heartbreak for Yinnar, provides opportunity for Foster, who now move forward to take on Fish Creek in the 2025 MGFNL Grand Final.

Their opponents, Fish Creek are looking to rise to some rare air, the Kangaroos premiers of 2023 and 2024 can make it three premierships in a row – a feat only achieved on three prior occasions in the history of the competition.

Newborough from 1988 through 1990.

Yinnar from 1969 through 1971

Hazelwood from 1951 through 1953.

 

MGFNL Grand Final

Saturday, September 13 @ Yinnar Recreation Reserve

Gates open @ 7am

Entry: Cars through main gate via Jumbuk Road, walkers enter through smaller gate closer to clubrooms.

Parking: All around ground until full. Then onto the road or into town with shuttle bus provided for transport to the ground.

Seniors: Fish Creek v Foster (2.45pm)

Reserves: Morwell East v Yinnar (12.30pm)

Thirds: Newborough v MDU (10.30am)

A Grade: Foster v MDU (2.45pm)

B Grade: Foster v Fish Creek (1.20pm)

C Grade: Yinnar v MDU (12.15pm)

D Grade: Yinnar v Mirboo North (11.10am)

17 & Under: MDU v Boolarra (10.05am)

15 & Under: Toora v Yinnar (9am)

13 & Under: Yinnar v Newborough (8am)