Trafalgar v Mirboo North
It was perfect conditions for the second round clash between the Bloods and the Tigers in the Mid Gippsland Football League on Saturday.
The Tigers were the favourites going into the game and they started off really well with a great clearance from Jake Nash, who was up and about early in the first quarter and the first goal of the game going to Luke Palmer in the opening minutes.
It all looked like it might go the Tigers way at the start of each quarter but with some fantastic defensive work and great forward pressure, the Bloods secured a victory and came out on top 110 to 72.
Trafalgar coach Clint Einsiedel was very pleased with his team’s performance overall.
“It was a bit of a poor start, but we weathered the storm early and things picked up in the midfield, then everything seemed to click in for us after that.
“We still have fifteen players on our list from last year so the experience in the side certainly helps, they are fitter, stronger and what everyone learns in training is what we try an implement during the game.
“Even though we have the experienced players, we also have a fairly young list with a few boys in the 18 to 23 year old age bracket, which is good for the future of the team. The more games they get under their belt the better they will be down the track,” concluded Einsidel.
There were lots of contested football taking place in the first quarter. Although Mirboo North did a lot of attacking, Trafalgar just kept up the forward pressure. The stand out player for Mirboo North was Nash. Hines, Mann and Schajik stood out for Trafalgar with Trafalgar leading 27 to 14.
Having put themselves under pressure, the Tigers started out well again in the second quarter. The Bloods seemed to have the advantage of the breeze during the first quarter so tht Tigers felt that this might give them an advantage. But after kicking a quick goal in the first few seconds, the wind did nothing to help the Tigers. The Bloods continued applying the pressure and played a beautiful quarter winning most of the stoppages. Ridgway kicked a much needed goal for the Tigers but the Bloods ended the seconded quarter in front four goals up at 55 to 26.
Trafalgar were certainly looking a different side from last season and were playing with a great deal of passion. Giardina and Wilson for Mirboo North were not being allowed an easy run at the footy and delivery just wasn’t coming to them. Goodman started really coming into the game and Hines was taking the ball in his hands, exploiting it and moving the ball for Trafalgar.
With Mirboo North needing a big third quarter, they put Taylor into the middle. Mirboo North missed a kick at goal early in the quarter and Trafalgar responded by maintaining possession with pressure at the other end and a goal from 50 metres out from young Schajik, making that his third. The game was then really in Trafalgar’s control with Farrell kicking his second and Schajik getting a fourth. Trafalgar won all three quarters easily, heading into the fourth quarter 89 to 34.
The Tigers picked it up a pace during the last quarter but it was pretty even with what seemed like a goal each end throughout the play for both sides. Schajik was all over the front line for the Demons but missed two of his three chances at goal and Farrell kicked his fourth. The Tigers kicked five in this quarter but it was all too late. The final score put Trafalgar at 110 to Mirboo North’s 72.
Mirboo North Player/Coach Clancey Bennett said: “It was a disappointing result. Trafalgar worked harder and they looked a lot hungrier.
“When there were 50/50 balls to be won they were in better spots with better numbers and I don’t think we worked hard enough.
“We need to work on our concentration and get our leaders to set the standard. They are working on that and I commend them for their effort but we need to work on it more.”
Trafalagar’s Matthew Van Schajik kicked five and Lochlan Farrell four. Almost all of the Mirboo North players kicked a goal with ten players scoring a goal each.
Boolarra v Yarragon
The Demons certainly took the game to the Panthers this week with a great start in the first quarter putting them in front by one goal. By the third quarter it looked like the Panthers might come out on top, but the Demons had other ideas. Scoring four goals to the Panthers one in the fourth quarter almost gave the Demons a well-deserved victory. But, in the end, it came down to just three points. The final result was Yarragon 12.9 (81) and Boolarra 12.6 (78).
Hill End v Yinnar
It was a struggle for the Grove Rovers against the Magpies on Saturday and they were never really in it. The Magpies dominated throughout the game, particularly in the second and third quarters. Hill End struggled to find any kind of form in the first half, only managing to kick one goal from seven chances. Geary and Derby dominated the kicking for Yinnar scoring four each. Scores at the final whistle, Yinnar 11.7 (73) to Hill End 5.9 (39).
Yallourn/Yallourn North v Morwell East
The Hawks were chasing the Bombers all day but never looked like catching them. The Bombers were particularly dominant in the second half of the game taking a six goal lead by the end of the third quarter. The Hawks had more opportunities at goal in the fourth quarter but weren’t able to convert and although the Bombers had thirteen shots at goal, there was only one that made it through the middle. Morwell East certainly have some work to do. YYN 11.12 (78) to Morwell East 6.9 (45) at full time.
Thorpdale v Newborough
A very hard fought match between the reigning Premiers the Bulldogs and the Blues. It was a tight first half which saw both teams going into the half time break tied up on 21 points. In the third term the Blues surprised the Bulldogs with a six goal to three conversion rate to take the lead. The final quarter was a reverse of the previous quarter with Newborough piling on seven majors to close the gap. However, Thorpdale hung on to cause a two point upset, ending the game at 13.8 (86) to Newborough 12.12 (84).