Round 2 Preview
In a reasonably lopsided round of football in the SS&A OMFNL it was the game at John Flower Oval, Wodonga between the Bulldogs and Panthers that lit up round thirteen.
In one of the games of the season, 6th placed Lavington kept alive its finals hopes with a pulsating nine-point win over fifth-placed Wodonga.
The game did not disappoint as the fast-starting Bulldogs took a 21-point lead into the first break on the back of an Angus Baker masterclass.
The classy onballer finished with 6 goals and 31 possessions with three of his goals coming in the first term as he rockets into Morris Medal favouritism.
The Panthers won the game in the second quarter with seven goals to hit the front, the second half ebbed and flowed in a brilliant contest.
When Wodonga coach Jordan Taylor was sent off in the last quarter Lavington led by 20 points and looked home before Wodonga mounted a stunning comeback.
Wodonga with just 17 men kicked three goals in five minutes to close the margin to just one point with twelve minutes left.
Brilliant running goals from Shaun Driscoll and Andy Yates sealed the win for Lavington with Driscoll, Ewan Mackinlay, Tom Hargreave, Jono Spina, and Billy Glanvill outstanding.
Premiership favourite Yarrawonga had a comfortable 74-point win over bottom-placed Wodonga Raiders at the JC Lowe Oval with Leigh Williams the star with six goals.
Williams took his season tally to 48 goals and reaped the benefit of the classy midfield of Mark Whiley, Nick Fothergill (4 goals), Willie Wheeler, Ryan Bruce and Cam Wilson.
The Pigeons kicked seven goals in each of the first two quarters to lead by 61 points at halftime. The Raiders showed improved form to boot 5 goals to Yarrawonga’s seven in the second half.
Once again Cam Ellis-Yolmen with 29 possessions and four goals was Raider’s best, with good support from Brad St John and the Bracher brothers Nick (3 goals) and Tom.
The Wangaratta Rovers were super impressive in their 42-point win over Myrtleford at the WJ Findlay Oval to keep alive its top three chances.
Dominant performances by Tom Boyd (6 goals) and Alex Marklew (5 goals) along with midfielders Jack Gerrish and Alex McCarthy kept the home fans happy.
Mitch Dalbosco (36 possessions) and Simon Curtis (31 possessions) were outstanding for the Saints, while Ryley Sharp and Ashton McPherson were solid.
Myrtleford saved its best for the second half when they outscored the Rovers nine goals to six. The strong finish should give them confidence for this Saturday’s clash at home against Wodonga.
A six-goal to-one first quarter from Wangaratta stamped out any chance of an upset against North Albury at Bunton Park with the visitors class setting up the 71-point win.
Patty Warner had one of his best-ever games for Wangaratta that included three goals. Liam McVeigh, Daniel Sharrock, and Cal Moore (3 goals) continued their great form.
North Albury who had more possessions and made more tackles wasted several opportunities in front of goal. George Godde, Kade Brown and Tim Broomhead tried hard for the Hoppers.
Both teams have massive games next week with North Albury away to Raiders and Wangaratta hosting Albury.
A brilliant performance in defence by Brooke Pryse paved the way for Wangaratta to defeat a tenacious North Albury 43-35 at Bunton Park.
The Pies used four different goal shooters with Georgia Clark leading the way with 16 goals. Emily Browne was again outstanding in her return from injury.
Yarrawonga was given a huge scare by the Raiders before running out 50-40 winners after they led by just one goal at the final change.
Kaleisha Pell shot 25 goals for Yarrawonga, while Emily Stewart capped off a superb game with 17 goals. The Pigeons remain unbeaten while the Raiders are still one game clear in third place.
Myrtleford notched up the season’s highest score when they thumped Rovers 84-46 with Sophie Hanrahan shooting 67 goals in her new role in attack.
Lavington was pushed all the way by Wodonga before coming away with a 63-55 victory with Maddi Lloyd excellent in her 100th A Grade game for Lavington.
