Weatherwise, a beautiful week-end in the Goulburn Valley to enter into Spring and the finals.
Mooroopna had 8.4 kicked against them in the first quarter at Deakin Reserve against Shepparton United - they had only 1.3 - 9 points to 52 - 43 points in arrears. From 1/4 time on, the Cats have kicked 19 goals 13 behinds to the Demons miserable 7 goals 5 behinds. The Cats won handsomely 20.14 (134) to 15.9 (99). Remember though the week before over at Mooroopna? The Swans had got away to a flyer by kicking 9.7 to just 1.2 but then the Cats went goal for goal with the Swans. Mooroopna certainly showed the Never Say Die attiitude with Dan LEWIS back to his best with 7 goals and youngster Clayton OLIVER kicking 3 and being named in the Cats best. He was good and should give the Mooroopna Golf Club Rising Star Award a real shake.
Another highlight was the solo and team performance of Grant WEEKS and his Rochester team-mates up at Echuca. With 87 goals to his name leading into the final home and away game Grant reports that in the morning leading up to the game he thought about the tonne and reckoned he might be a bit of a chance but reasoned if he got 6 or 7 for the day he would be a chance to reach the tonne during the finals. He only had one by 1/4 time and 5 by 1/2 time - the Tigers were up 12.8 (80) to Echuca's 4.2 (26) at half time. Grant reports "By three-quarter time I still needed 5 but I kicked a few quick ones in the last quarter and I knew if we kept running over the top of them we would get there. It was a real team effort. The boys looked after me and made sure they got me there." This effort is the first time a Rochy player has kicked the tonne in a season and it was fantastic to see inaugral G.V.F.L. Hall of Famer Anthony "Tank" McPHEE out on the ground to pat Grant on the head after he got his 100th. This effort has really galvanised Rochy into an outfit to be very wary of come finals. They defeated Echuca by 90 points without James GLEDHILL, Ash WATSON and Jimmy HOLLOW. With WEEKS in form and fellow Colbinabbinite Lochlan SIRETT fitting into the Tigers forward line like a hand into a glove - beware the Tigers in September!!! P.S., Congratulations Weeksy!!!
Another hightlight from the week-end but this time on the other end of the scale, in fact a low-light but very newsworthy; is that Willy MARTINELLO from Benalla has suffered a broken jaw after a clash late in the last quarter over at Benalla in the game against Seymour. Willy was originally taken up to Wangaratta but then transferred down to the Royal Melbourne hospital for surgery. We don't want to see any player hurt, especially at finals time and especially a broken jaw as it is a bugar of an injury. All who know Willy MARTINELLO will be wishing him a speedy and full recovery. Nick WARNOCK kicked 7 for the Saints, Josh MELLINGTON kicked 6 - both were named in Benalla's best along with Willy. The Saints won 21.16 (142) to Seymour 8.5 (53). Benalla were able to keep Saad SAAD down to just the one goal. The Saints have now gone through the home and away season undefeated. Can they go all the way? On a positive note (for Benalla - not the Bushies) is the Murray Bushrangers were defeated on Sunday which now makes the Benalla Bushies available for their home club. Could the Bushies Captain, Nick MELLINGTON, younger brother of Josh slot into the Saints midfield?
Mansfield completed their disappointing season on a very high note witha brilliant second quarter against Euroa to run out comfortable winners by 39 points. David CLARKE for the Eagles from all reports played an absoulte blinder and kicked 5 goals - Adam BOSHEVSKI kicked 6. Euroa were again well served by Pat HORSBOROUGH, Robbie WOOD and Gus VARLEY.
Likewise the Shepparton senior team finished on a very positive note by playing a draw with the Shepparton Swans at Princess Park. Final score was Swans 13.10 (88) to Shepparton 14.4 (88) People are not sure what to read into this game as the Swans could not have lost 2nd spot & the double chance going into the finals and perhaps they went a bit easy with the Qualifying Final v Benalla in their minds? Justin MADDERN kicked 5 with good support from Kaedon ANTONOWICZ kicking 3 for the Swans. Big Ash HOLLAND was apparantely outstanding for Shepparton again and by rights should poll very well in the Morrison medal voting.
The final game of the home and away series was on Saturday night under the lights at Kyabram where the Bombers defeated Tatura 16.11 (107) to 7.9 (51) - interest coming from this game is that Paul NEWMAN did not play for the Bombers and could be in doubt for their Elimination Final clash with Mooroopna. Rhys CLARK and Hayden GEMMILL both kicked 3 for Ky - Sonny WHITING kicked 3 for the Bulldogs to round off his season tally at 68 goals.
This Saturday up at Mansfield in the Qualifing Final - can the Benalla Saints continue on their winning way and defeat the Shepparton Swans?
On this same day, Saturday, at Tatura - can Kyabram defeat Moorooopna in this Elimination Final and advance straight into the Second Semi?
And on Sunday, 7th September, over at Rochy can the home side Rochester knock off Tatura in the other exciting Elimination final.
Until this time next week - enjoy your footy!
Last Modified on 28/03/2015 19:31