Power surge shocks Knights

GIPPSLAND Power, although undermanned, bounced back to defeat the highly rated Northern Knights in a crunch game at Preston at the weekend.
The Power was embarrassed by the Stingrays the previous round and went into the game without key players Hansen, Goldsack, Ross and McKenna and then lost promising Yarram youngster Shane McIntosh during the week.
It was hard to imagine the Power would bounce back as strongly as it did, but it showed true grit to forge a pivotal victory in terms of its TAC Cup prospects this year.
The Power opened the game kicking against a strong wind, but, through a combination of pressure and composure, had the Knights on the back foot.
Tough onballer Tristram Francis had two on the board early, but the Knights rallied and had the lead midway through the term.
A clever running goal by Joel Morgan, was followed by three in a row to Brent Macaffer as a result of excellent pressure, vision and skill.
Ben Jostlear then used great strength to give the Power a 16point lead at the first change, but more importantly the psychological edge with the wind in the next term.
Instead of building on its outstanding effort, the Power then struggled to be as purposeful as the Knights tried hard to erase the lead.
Some indecisive play gave the Knights the first of the term and it was game on.
Francis replied after a penetrating forward thrust and this was the sign for the Knights to gain the initiative, kicking the next four and challenging the Power before Macaffer had two more, giving the Power a 10point lead at the long break.
The Power hit back hard against the wind and had the Knights struggling to cope with the constant pressure it was applying all over the ground.
Key forwards Ben Hughes and Macaffer capitalised on some excellent vision and teamwork and the Knights were struggling to get any cohesive play going.
They worked their way back into the game with two majors after somewhat of an arm wrestle, before Hughes bobbed up late in the term with a clever goal and the Power had an 11point lead.
The last quarter was pivotal for the season and the Power struggled to maintain its effort of the first three terms.
The Knights struck first, but Rob Michaelides kicked a telling goal before the Knights had another to challenge the Power’s resolve.
Persistent pressure allowed Macaffer to kick his seventh before some sparkling footwork and cool finishing saw Brent Connelly lay claim to goal of the day.
This inspired Hughes to follow suit and with five minutes to go, the Power was 27 points up.
The Knights rallied late, but the Power was in control and recorded a moraleboosting win against the odds.
Scores: Gippsland Power 17.13.115 d Northern Knights 14.17.101.
Goals Power: Brent Macaffer 7, Tristram Francis, Ben Hughes 3, Rob Michaelides, Brent Connelly, Ben Jostlear, Joel Morgan 1.
Best Power: Jeff Ryan, Jaymie Youle, Rob Eddy, Brent Macaffer, Ricky Delphine, Rob Michaelides.
The Power plays Bendigo Pioneers at Morwell on Sunday.