WGLFL round 19 review

TRARALGON travelled to Garfield needing to play well to keep second spot and set up for a good finals series. The first quarter opened with some fierce desire for the ball from both camps and scoring chances were limited. As the quarter progressed, scoring opportunities came and Traralgon was more accurate and at quartertime led 5.0 to 0.2.
In the second term Garfield increased its intensity, attacked with purpose and peppered the goals but inaccuracy stopped the Stars from hitting the lead. Nearing the end of the quarter Traralgon seized opportunities to slam through three quick goals to break away to a 33point lead.
In the third quarter the tussle continued, neither team giving an inch, but Traralgon was still able to increase its lead to 40 points. In the last quarter Garfield switched the side around to try and generate some drive while Traralgon kept running and seized the opportunity to increase their confidence for the upcoming finals series as well as inflict Garfield’s worst defeat for the year. A final score of 21.8 to 7.13 gave Traralgon a big victory after a disappointing Garfield finish.
For Traralgon Dane McGennisken and Joel Lont were solid performers, while the Stars were well served by Shaun Pickering, Matt Cunningham, Mal McKenna, Jake Hower and Ben Soumilas.
Sale hosted Warragul hoping for a win that could bring second position. Warragul was determined to finish the season on a high note and competitive in the first half. In the third quarter Sale was able to open up a good lead when they added 7.7 to Warragul’s 2.2. The Magpies ran and set their forwards up with great delivery and only their inaccuracy stopped them from having a bigger lead. Stuart Anderson was in great form, creating the loose man and setting up teammates. In the last quarter Sale continued and ran out easy winners. Better players for Warragul were Ryan Davey, Brent Jostlear, Bernie Jones and Brad Nott.
Drouin hosted the Leongatha Parrots with both teams throwing themselves into the fray and desperate for the final chance to add a victory to their list. At quartertime Leongatha led by a single goal. In a tight second term both forward lines scratched out three goals without asserting clear dominance. The crowd was keen and a sevenpoint lead for Leongatha going into the long break was the signal of a hardfought second half. In the third quarter Drouin looked like slowly gaining the ascendancy but Leongatha was the more accurate and won a shaky 11point lead. In the last quarter Drouin attacked with urgency and with hometown support was able to come over the top of the Parrots and register a fivepoint win. Better players for the Hawks were Brock Honeysett, Jeremy Campbell, David Olsen and Bobby McCallum.
Morwell welcomed Maffra with much trepidation given its injuries. But the young Morwell Tigers gave their all and never stopped trying, being overrun by a skilful unit preparing for the assault on its fourth flag in a row. Maffra started well and rushed to a 17point lead at the first break. Hayden Burgiel was in fine form and Justin Staley was back running out of defence. By halftime the lead had blown out to 42 points and the Eagles were looking good. In the third quarter Maffra increased its lead to 67 points and went on to win by 92 points.