Gippsland Power Media Release
By Bryan Mitchell
Top spot on the TAC Cup ladder was the "prize" on offer for the previously undefeated Gippsland Power and Eastern Ranges in their clash at Morwell last week. From the first bounce it was obvious that both sides desperately wanted the "title" and the large crowd was in for a treat with some of the best football ever seen on the Morwell oval. At the end of a titanic struggle, the Power withstood a determined Ranges surge and won the coveted top spot as a consequence.
Paul Hudson did his homework last weekend and he was constantly readjusting the mix to give his team the best match-ups possible for the crucial game. Jay Neagle was on fire early and the Ranges were well and truly on the back foot. As expected of a quality side, they rallied and but for inaccuracy, they would have had a solid lead. The Power lifted their work rates and took the initiative again only to see the Ranges claw their way back after some "interesting" umpiring decisions. By the first break, the Ranges led by 4 points and the game was up for grabs.
In the second term the Power began to eliminate their errors and consequently, rob the Ranges of turnover opportunities. They were making the Ranges fumble under their relentless pressure and began to pepper the goals. It was the Powers' turn to be off target and they gave their specialist goal kicking coach Peter Hudson plenty of ammunition to work with at training next week. Nathan Lieshout and Beau Vernon provided the Power with different avenues to goal and by the long break the Power led by 23 points.
The third term saw the teams swap goal for goal and, ominously, the Power couldn't shake the Ranges off. They were killing the Power as the result of costly turnovers and in contrast, the Power were having to work a lot harder for their scoring chances. Once again Jay Neagle was the "go to man" and he was giving the side a quality option all the time. By the last change, the Power led by 17 points and Eastern were back in the game.
The last term saw the Ranges score the first goal and this stung the Power into action. Some brilliant teamwork set Dale Thomas up for a crucial reply and once again Eastern began to dig deep. They were extremely persistent and it seemed as if they were going to over run the Power. Brett Dore decided that this wasn't going to happen and scored a sublime snap from the boundary to restore a respectable lead. Not to be outdone, the Ranges kept coming hard and it really tested the resolve of the Power. To their great credit, they hung on and recorded a superb two-point victory.
Final scores Gippsland Power 16 goals 12 behinds 108 points, defeated Eastern Ranges 15 goals 16 behinds 106 points. Goal kickers Jay Neagle 7, Nathan Lieshout, Beau Vernon and Marc Truscio 2, Ben Fraser, Dale Thomas and Brett Dore 1. The better players in the brilliant team effort were Xavier Ellis, Lachlan Hansen, Craig Flint, Jay Neagle, Tom Dowd, Trent West, Tom Johnson and Jeff Ryan. What is really notable about this is that six of these boys are bottom age and eligible to play in 2006.
Paul and his coaching staff could be justifiably proud of the spirit and determination shown by the side. They never flinched despite whatever the Ranges threw at them. It was the ideal test for the boys in terms of their prospects for the 2005 TAC Cup season and they came through in flying colours. They were up against a quality team and had to play outstanding football to initially match the Ranges and then put their own stamp on the game.
They have now set a benchmark for the competition and will be team that other sides need to beat if they are to be competitive in 2005. This means that their every move will be analysed, dissected and pondered and they will need to continue to work hard to not only maintain their position but to also put themselves further ahead of the "pack"
Their next game sees them travel to Preston Oval on Sunday to take on the Northern Knights. The Knights have had a slow start to the season but will be highly competitive against the Power. It will mean that the Power will have to be on the top of their game for four quarters but they will know that they have a bye the following week so they can "let rip" if necessary.
Paul and his selection panel will now be without Xavier Ellis and Rob Eddy for much of the season due to school commitments and this will open up opportunities for some of the squad who have been "chomping on the bit" waiting to press their claims for e regular place in the team. It means that training will be of high quality and the selectors will have a tough job to finalsie the 22 to take on the Knights.
Last Modified on 21/05/2008 17:30
