EIGHT unanswered goals in the first term set-up Sale’s 70-point victory over Bairnsdale in Gippsland League football.
In windy, but fine, conditions at Bairnsdale on Saturday, the Magpies won 20.11 (131) to 9.7 (63).
The visitors, kicking with the breeze in the first term, used the wind to perfection, kicking 8.3 to the Redlegs’ one behind. The Magpies’ accurate kicking in the windy conditions was a highlight.
In the second term, the Redlegs made a charge, with two quick goals lifting their spirits. The Magpies’ long kicks were punched away by Bairnsdale defenders before the Redlegs surged forward.
After the Redlegs’ goals, the Magpies changed their gameplan, going short and low to find unguarded teammates. They finished the term with 3.3 to the Redlegs’ three goals.
The Magpies led by 53 points at half-time after playing smart football into the wind.
The Magpies continued their attack on the ball. Once they gained possession, they used the ball well to set-up teammates.
Sale’s kicking for goal was again first class, booting 6.3 to Bairnsdale’s 1.3.
The Redlegs played their best football in the final quarter, kicking 5.3 to 3.2, but the Magpies earned their big victory and had no passengers.
Midfielder Kane Martin had another outstanding day, using his pace and accurate disposal to slice through the Bairnsdale defence.
Jordan Dessent won many contested possessions and used the ball well.
Consistent Chris Laverty had plenty of the ball and never wasted a kick.
Promising young defender Zac Hurley is the most improved player in the team, while coach Shane Fyfe plays like a general in a solid defence
John McIntyre and Jamie Sweeney also played well in an even team performance.
Jarrod Freeman kicked four goals, Dessent, Martin and the talented Kyle Dunkley chipped in with three each.
Russell Cowan and Tomm Bryan kicked two goals each for the Redlegs, with Shaun Mooney, Nick George and Jaryd Gilroy their best players.
MORWELL closed the door on the top five by defeating local rival Traralgon by 22 points.
In the 200th league meeting between the clubs, the home team won 13.8 (86) to 9.10 (64) to secure fifth spot on the ladder.
The Maroons, looking to seal the double chance during the finals, led by eight points at half-time, but couldn’t kick a goal in the third term as the Tigers booted four major to take an 18-point lead into the final quarter.
The Maroons took the leader after kicking the first three goals of the final term, only for the Tigers to kick the final four of the match.
Centre half-forward Dan Musil was Morwell’s best player, with Anthony Rosato also making a handy contribution. Defender Jackson McMahon was Traralgon’s best.
LEONGATHA out-classed Warragul.
With the Gulls entering the match with a faint hope of making the finals, the visiting Parrots powered to a 60-point victory, 17.9 (111) to 7.9 (51).
The match was effectively over by half-time, when the Parrots led by 41 points.
Forward Chris Verboon was best-on-ground, Luke Bowman led the onball brigade, while Aaron Hillberg kicked three goals.
MOE kept its hopes of moving into the top three alive with a 61-point victory at Wonthaggi.
After their 17.15 (117) to 8.8 (56) win, the Lions remain two points behind third-placed Traralgon after this weekend’s final round.
After leading by four points at quarter-time, the Lions kicked five goals to one in the second term to lead by 30 points. The visitors kicked 10 goals to five in the second half.
Karl Mutke and Scott Van Dyk kicked four goals each for Moe, with Mitch Stanlake prominent across half-back.
Troy Harley kicked three majors for the Power. – with David Braithwaite
