Round 2 Preview
North Albury’s first win for the 2023 season highlighted a very entertaining round five of football and netball in the SS&A OMFNL as players experienced the first glimpse of winter.
The Hoppers after conceding the first three goals of the game to Wodonga Raiders bounced back to dominate the second half winning by 37 points at Bunton Park.
Josh Minogue with four goals was best on ground while young Josh Murphy booted three goals and Nathan Dennis two. Layton Taylor, Julian Hayes and George Godde were also prominent.
Best for the Raiders were Hayden Clarke, Nelson Bowey, and Tom Bracher with 43 possessions and the two Daly boys down back in Alex and Cooper.
Last year’s grand final winners Wangaratta showed they are still a big contender for the 2023 title with a stirring come-from-behind win over Albury at the Albury Sportsground.
The Magpies trailed all the first half but finished stronger with an eight-goal to four second half. Jackson Clarke, Brad Melville, and Daniel Sharrock were the midfield warriors that ignited the fightback.
Cal Moore kicked four goals, while another to impress was youngster Xavier Laverty who did a great role in place of suspended coach Ben Reid.
The Tigers suffered a blow pre-game with the withdrawal of forward Jacob Conlan. George Horlin Smith in just his second game was excellent with three goals for Albury.
Yarrawonga had to work hard to overcome a very tenacious Lavington in a hotly contested encounter at the JC Lowe Oval winning by 13 points.
Leigh Williams iced the game for Yarrawonga late in the last quarter after Lavington had gotten within eight points after wasting opportunities to get closer.
The Yarrawonga midfield was again all class with Mark Whiley, Cam Wilson, Willie Wheeler, and Nick Fothergill in great touch while running back Bailey Fraunfelder collected thirty possessions.
The Panther’s commitment to the ball and pressure around the contest was faultless with Billy Glanville (37 possessions), Luke Garland (3 goals) and Ewan Mackinlay their best.
Lavington going forward will need to start picking off some higher-ranked sides if they are to threaten finals action – they are not far away but will need a scalp sooner than later.
Wodonga’s victory over Myrtleford was soured somewhat by a nasty finger injury to star midfielder Angus Baker with an extended period most likely.
Baker had already racked up twenty-eight possessions and his injury will also seriously dent his Morris medal chances.
On the field the Bulldogs continue to shine with its 51-point win making it five in a row and now the only unbeaten side following the Tiger’s loss to Wangaratta.
They will get a huge test over the next month of matches with games against Wang Rovers, Albury and Yarrawonga – their overall winning streak now sits on nine since Rd 15 last year.
Myrtleford was again super competitive with experienced pair Simon Curtis and Mitch Dalbosco leading the way along with a three-goal effort from Brody Ricardi.
Yarrawonga celebrated Hannah Symes 200th game for the club with a victory over a very impressive Lavington side that fell just four goals short 58-54.
Christine Oguche starred for the Panthers with 49 goals, while for Yarrawonga Laura Davis was their best. The Pigeons led by eleven goals at the last break before Lavington fought back.
Myrtleford is still unbeaten ahead of its massive clash at home next Saturday against Yarrawonga. The Saints were untroubled in walloping Wodonga 65-27.
Rebecca Piazza shot 43 goals, while goalkeeper Sophie Hanrahan was in great form at the opposite end. Wodonga was best served by Aleisha Coyle and Ruby Martin.
Wangaratta proved too classy for Albury winning 47-24 with Georgia Clark netting 29 goals. Kellie Keen and Amy Byrne both shot nine goals.
A highlight for Albury was Lani Wall on debut shooting three goals with her coach Skye Hillier putting through fifteen.
Wodonga Raiders who at one stage led by seventeen goals, survived a massive North Albury fightback to scrape itself to a 48-45 win.
The win though was crucial taking the Raiders into fourth place on the ladder and clear of North Albury who have just one win.
The goal-shooting pairing of Taylor Donelan and Emily Stewart is starting to shine. Mackensey House was best for Raiders and Hoppers coach Emily Browne in great form.
