A DAZZLING Jack Weston goal inspired Gippsland Power to a come-from-behind 12-point win over a spirited Western Jets line-up at Morwell on Sunday.
Weston gathered the ball on the wing in the last term before expertly baulking and bouncing his way past a series of opponents to slot a 45m major on his unfavoured left boot.
It was the major highlight in a dogged encounter that saw the Power behind by four points at three-quarter-time.
But ruckman Nathan Vardy, one of five Vic Country players in Gippsland’s side, overcame a quiet first half to help spark the Power into action.
Gippsland, missing big-marking forward John Butcher (shoulder), ultimately kicked the only three majors of the final quarter to surge into the TAC Cup’s top four.
Coach Damian Carroll admitted it was a frustrating game to watch, but was thrilled to see his players score their seventh victory of the season.
“It was a real struggle. We got there in the end, but not hugely convincingly,” he said.
“I don’t think they’re a bad side on paper and they played well and beat us for at least half the game.
“They had the wind in the last quarter, but we found something, which was great to see.
“The boys were terrific in the last quarter to get over the line and have a victory.”
Dean Woodhead, who handed the captaincy duties back to Vic Country representatives Koby Stevens and Ed Carr, kicked two first-quarter goals to give the Power a six-point edge at the first break.
But, despite Jed Lamb slotting the opening major of the second term, Gippsland was unable to shake the Jets.
Three unanswered goals to the visitors ensured they held a one-point advantage at half-time.
The Power again produced the first goal of the term through Lamb and team-mate Tim Northe added another, but Western fought back and hurt Gippsland on the rebound in the third quarter.
The Jets held a four-point buffer over the Power at the last change, but Lamb and Northe combined to give Gippsland the lead early in the fourth term.
Vardy took charge in the ruck and goals to Weston and Mitch Dowse sealed the result for the hosts.
Attacking defender Nick Sing, who has featured in the Power’s best players three times in the past month, and third-gamer Tom Corry also impressed in an even Gippsland performance.
But Carroll feels his team has much improvement left in it and said the national championships returnees’ further integration into the side will be an important part of that.
“It’s hard for the guys who come back and the guys who’ve been there as well,” he said.
“There’s a bit of give and take from both groups and we knew guys who’ve been away were desperately keen to play for us and they all did pretty well without being exceptional.
“The dynamics of the group changed a little bit with rotations and I think we’ve just got to make sure we can work together as a team over the next few weeks.”
Carroll hopes to regain Butcher for Saturday’s clash with the Northern Knights and is looking forward to midfielder/half-back Dale Hoghton’s possible return in a month’s time.
The Power and Knights meet at 1pm at Northcote’s Bill Lawry Oval.
