In what was one of their best performances in the second half of the season, a gallant Eastern Ranges have gone down to the top of the table Geelong Falcons by seven points on Sunday.
Leading by 10 points at the main change, the Ranges intensity dropped ever so slightly in the second half, which seemed to be enough for the Falcons to pinch a hard-fought win. Jaidyn Stephenson was dominant for Eastern, finishing the match with five goals, in what was almost a match-winning performance. Draft hopeful Jordan Gallucci showed just why he is likely to be scooped up in the first round with an impressive display. While Tate Short in just his forth TAC Cup game was brilliant in a performance that included two goals and a superb mark in the first term of the match.
Eastern came out firing to begin the match taking a two goal lead late in the first term before Geelong kicked two just before quarter time to see scores level at the first break. In the second quarter the boys were ferocious at the contest, most notably trapping the Falcons in our forward 50 with impressive tackling and corralling that lead to a Billy Norris goal just before the half time siren, creating a well deserved 10 point lead at the main break. By half time Stephenson had kicked four goals, putting on a terrific set-shot goal kicking display. While the midfield lead by Gallucci was on fire thanks to some brilliant ruck work from Sam Hayes who was playing a lone hand dues to the late withdrawal of Nathan Mullenger-McHugh. The highlight of the half however was Short’s spectacular mark late in the first quarter when he used his opponent as a step ladder to soar in the air and complete a clean grab.
Kicking an impressive 57 points in the first half, Eastern couldn’t continue this free flowing scoring leading into the second as Geelong lifted their pressure acts. It was not until the 19 minute mark of the third term that Eastern added their first goal of the half. Short converted a set shot, before nailing another minutes later to draw the scores back to just two points at the final change.
It was five minutes of resilient defence to begin the final term. Easterns back men stood tall under immense pressure, not allowing any of the Falcons forward 50 entries to result in the all important first goal. Thanks to this effort, it was the Ranges scoring that goal when Stephenson kicked his fifth for the afternoon. Momentum shifted slightly after that; Billy Norris lined up for a shot on goal to try and extend the lead to eight points, but his shot missed, and the Falcons didn’t need a second chance. Geelong kicked two goals in quick succession to take an 11 point lead with not much time left. When Jake Parente kicked one for the Ranges it made it interesting, but ultimately time would beat the Ranges.
Although it was a loss, due to other results, Eastern is all but guaranteed a place in this year’s finals. With two rounds to play Eastern will aim to secure a home elimination final.
NEXT UP:
There are no TAC Cup matches this weekend, meaning the boys will return to action in two weeks time when they travel to Morwell to take on the Gippsland Power. The Power has had a disappointing season with only four wins, and will not feature in the finals this year. However, they are not to be underestimated, with three of these wins coming in the last five rounds; most notably a solid 28 point victory over Geelong. Round 7 was the last time these sides met, with the Ranges comfortable victors by 50 points.
EASTERN RANGES: 4.3 9.3 11.5 13.7 (85)
GEELONG FALCONS: 4.3 7.5 11.7 13.14 (92)
GOALS:
Eastern Ranges: Stephenson 5, Mynott 2, Short 2, Norris 2, Parente 2.
Geelong Falcons: Blair 3, Augerinos 2, Denning 2, McCarthy, Noble, Miers, Parish, Worpel, Zdybel.
BEST:
Eastern Ranges: Stephenson, Gallucci, Short, Norris, Hollins, Hayes.
Geelong Falcons: Augerinos, Worpel, Benson, Stephens, Zdybel, Killen.
Last Modified on 01/08/2016 16:28