Liam Durkin
THE football gods smiled on Woodside for the second week in a row.
The Wildcats won their second North Gippsland football match in as many weeks by one point, defeating Heyfield 11.6 (72) to 10.11 (71).
Woodside has now been involved in three one-point games in the past four weeks, following a loss to Sale City in round four and victory over Rosedale two weeks later.
A goal in the dying seconds from Wildcats coach Michael Duncan broke Heyfield hearts, and kept Woodside a game clear on top of the ladder.
The finale was befitting of the match, as the margin hovered around 10 points.
The Wildcats took a nine-point lead into half-time, but a five-goal third quarter wrestled the lead back for the Kangaroos heading into the fourth.
Both teams defended strongly during the final quarter, as only three goals were registered for the term. In the end, Heyfield was left to rue having more scoring shots on the drive home from Woodside.
Best players for the Kangaroos were Shaun Humphreys, Brad Berry and James Conway. Ben Johnson, Josh Kennedy and Will Broadbent stood out for Woodside.
ROSEDALE showed why it was the talk of preseason, defeating Yarram by 15 points on its home turf.
The Blues were the better team in the second half, kicking eight goals to five to record a 13.4 (82) to 9.13 (67) win.
Playing for the Pride Cup, players from both teams in football and netball wore specially designed jumpers and dresses for the occasion. It was the second time in as many weeks Rosedale donned a special guernsey, after playing in mental health themed colours last round.
Brandon McDonald led the scoring for the victors, booting five to take his tally to 26 goals from six games.
Luke Stuckey was best-on-ground for the second week in a row, while Rosedale leaders Frazar Brouns and Brad McKay showed how it’s done in commendable displays.
Chris Bruns, Boadie Motton and Keifer Sutherland were best for Yarram.
YALLOURN-YALLOURN North made light work of Sale City.
The Bombers led from start to finish, and walked off their home deck with a resounding 21.14 (140) to 11.8 (74) victory.
A four-goal opening term set the match up, as YYN took a 43-point lead into the main break.
It was goals galore in the third term, with the Bombers booting seven and the Bulldogs six. While this gave spectators from both teams something to cheer about, the reality of the situation was seen when the final siren sounded and YYN had virtually doubled Sale City’s score.
Keenan Hughes kicked five goals in a best-on-ground display, while Mannon Johnston was also busy inside 50, kicking four, as was Mitchell Luck, who did likewise. The trio received good support from Kyle Jennings, Dylan Bentley and Jack Robinson.
Better players for Sale City were Bohdi Walker, Mitch Evans (three goals) and Ben Chivers.
CHURCHILL made it another long day for Gormandale.
The Cougars put the foot down in the second quarter after a spirited showing from the Tigers in the first, on their way to a 23.20 (158) to 8.4 (52) win.
The margin bled out to more than 100 points in the finish, as 12 players got on the scoresheet for the victors.
Angus Mitchell, Ben Skinner (four goals) and Brendan Holt (five) were best for the Cougars.
Churchill player Steve Warr kicked a goal in two different grades on the same day after coming up from the reserves.
John Chessells played another good game for the Tigers, and made the most of his opportunities inside 50, kicking three goals. Jack Burgess and captain Josh Pearce also put in honest efforts.
TRARALGON-TYERS United got the job done against Glengarry.
The Bombers broke away from a determined Magpies’ outfit after three-quarter-time, running out 15.11 (101) to 9.11 (65) winners.
A strong third quarter from Glengarry had the home side within 14 points at the final break, before a five-goal to one final term ensured victory for TTU.
Jacob Albanese was in the thick of the action again, as was Brad Kelleher who kicked seven goals. Dean Brooks, Michael Ryan and Layne Hetherton played well for Glengarry.
COWWARR had the bye.
