By Ken Moore
NAR NAR GOON reserves captured a grand final berth with a barnstorming last quarter that saw it turn a nine point deficit at three-quarter time into a 16 point win against Catani.
The Goon trailed by 15 points late in the third quarter and – remarkably – only kicked their first goal, to small forward Tim Manning, in time-on in the third quarter.
The Goon should have been closer all match, but due to plenty of wayward kicking netted nine behinds before its first goal and hence it had plenty of work to do in the last term.
In the last quarter Nar Nar Goon finished with a full head of steam, kicked four unanswered goals to hold a tiring Catani scoreless.
On-ballers Blair Lidstone and Steve Hobson were ever present, half forward Jarrod Williams was lively and centre-half forward Ash Tivendale provided a good target.
Cagey forward Tim Manning was the difference between the two sides with four goals, including three vital majors when the match was in the balance, and ruckman Travis Simpkin gave the Goon plenty of drive all game and excelled in last quarter.
For Catani, captain Tim Grant, Daniel Strahan, Leigh Jose and Anderson Edwards set up many forward moves, ruckman Jason Nibbs put in a workmanlike effort and in defence Ryan Naylor and Chris Power offered plenty of resistance.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:THIRDS
In a game largely dominated by both defences Longwarry sent Nar Nar Goon packing in the under-18s with a stirring five-goal-to-nil last quarter against a slight wind.
The Crows trailed by five points at the last change and went on to achieve a 25-point victory.
Longwarry best and fairest Josh Bourke was outstanding in the last quarter and, coupled with strong midfield support from league best-and-fairest Rhys Holland and his twin brother Dylan who all ran hard, helped swing the game in the final term.
Half forward Trent Veleyski weighed in with plenty of important disposals, and in the last line of defence Daniel Farley stifled many attacks.
The league-leading goal kicker Jason Wells proved to be a focal point with four goals.
Longwarry’s victory brought and end to Goon thirds’ four-consecutive-premiership run.
For Nar Nar Goon midfielders Tim Wade and Joey Murphy propelled the ball forward on a regular basis, Nathan Marchant floated all over the half forward line will good effect and Damon Hansen and Zac Scanlon chimed in with many handy possessions.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:FOURTHS
Neerim Neerim South is through to the under-15s grand final after a 17-point win over Poowong.
The Cats set up their victory in the second quarter when they kicked three goals and kept the Magpies scoreless.
Poowong held their own in the second half and trimmed the half-time gap by eight points but it was not enough to seriously pose a threat to Neerim.
The Cats were indebted to Kody Wilson, Josh Morrison and forwards Joel Whitford and Tom Muir, who bagged two goals apiece.
For Poowong Daniel Wellings provided plenty of cover across defence, half back Alex Bodman rebounded the ball well, half forward Jake Cochrane posed a nuisance for the Magpie defence and Dylan Cuff was the best of the Poowong forwards.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:FIFTHS
In the under-13s, Catani pinched a five-point victory over Buln Buln.
The Blues trailed by three goals at one stage in the last quarter but finished powerfully with five unanswered goals to pull off a stunning victory.
Defender Kristopher Sabbatucci, Joseph Rosse and ruckman Tom Kent were prominent and Abby Fairchild made her presence felt in defence and through the midfield.
The Lyrebirds’ better players included league best-and-fairest Tyson Bale, Riley Steenholt and Shaun Beecroft.
