EDFL round 10 review

By Ken Moore
NYORA stood alone at the top of the table after it defeated Longwarry by 31 points.
The battle of the undefeated sides was a beauty and it was not until midway into the last quarter that the Saints had the game in their keeping. After a tight first term, Nyora surged ahead in the second when it rammed on six of the final seven goals of the quarter to open up a 20point break. Longwarry fought back from a 26point deficit in the third term to creep within eight points in the last quarter before Nyora rallied. Nyora wingman Ben Hallas was sensational, ably supported by rugged utility Rory Gilliatte and defenders Dean and Brendan Hislop. Longwarry’s defence, led by Grant McDonald, repelled countless attacks and, if not for the Crows missing a string of plausible chances in the second quarter, the margin would have been considerably closer. Nyora played with more system, showed cleaner and surer touch and thoroughly deserved victory and the flag favouritism that accompanied its win.
Kooweerup produced its best performance of the season, scoring 11 straight goals in the last quarter to turn a sixpoint deficit into a memorable 22point victory over Cora Lynn. Rhys Morgan with three lastquarter goals was the catalyst behind the Demon revival and Dan Crowley with nine goals was a thorn in the Cobra defence all match. Peter Doll, Gavin Marusic and Rod Hoober provided good drive through the midfield, ruckman Adam Biszko lifted when the game was on the line in the last quarter and defenders Luke Hamilton and Cam McPhillips stuck to their task well. The Demons’ victory may well mark a turning point in its season. Cora Lynn did not roll over in the last quarter, for it kicked six goals and snatched back the lead but struggled due to only having 17 players on the field as a result of Heath Airdrie being sent off late in the third quarter. Cameron Haynes presented well to kick six goals, Jeremy Duiker took many courageous marks, Ben and Dave Collins, Scott Black, Chad Ingram and John Nichol had a redhot go. As a result of the loss, a doublechance position for the Cobras looked remote.
Catani recorded a 55point win over Ellinbank, however the win was not as easy as the final scores suggested. The Eagles bounced back from a 54point halftime deficit with seven goals in the third quarter to get within 15 points before the Blues steadied. After regularly playing in defence in recent weeks, Josh Tymensen moved forward to dob five goals and four goals apiece by John Entwisle and Owen Fitzpatrick gave the Blues more firepower. For Ellinbank, Rob and Steve Ballingall, Ricky Johnson and Neale Parke provided plenty of resistance in and around the centre.
Nar Nar Goon made Buln Buln fight all the way to win. The Goon skipped 20 points clear during the second quarter before the Lyrebirds mounted a spirited revival.
The scores were level at threequarter time but two goals by 16yearold Mitch Nobelius and majors by Matthew Gooden and Luke Nobelius helped steer the Lyrebirds to a 20point victory. Centreman Michael Pratt, Brent Eastwell, wingman Paul Hasan, who also laid 12 effective tackles, and halfback Joel Ferguson played a big part. Jeremy Jagoe did well in his 250th club game and Anthony Baker, who had 35 possessions off the halfback line. The Goon was well served by Ben Keane, Blair Lidstone, Luke Dore, Matt Wade and Spencer Noonan who won plenty of the ball in and around the middle.
NeerimNeerim South won its second consecutive game and displaced Lang Lang in eighth spot on the ladder after beating the Tigers by 25 points. In an exciting game, the Cats only drew clear thanks to Daniel Burns and Jack Halligan who stood up to pop through two goals apiece in the last quarter after the scores were all tied up at threequarter time. Damian Rhind did well at centre halfback to quell the influence of Kurt Batt, Brett Kelly offered plenty of drive from his wing and Chris Urie was lively when moved on to the ball. NeerimNeerim South captaincoach Paul Whelan proved to be the difference between the sides and was the focus up forward, notching six goals. For Lang Lang, wingman Adam Dwyer drove the ball forward regularly, Alex Sarakin had a crack in the midfield, and Brett Hameeteman made an impact in the ruck and two new onball recruits John Kennedy and Trent Keogh showed plenty.
Warragul Industrial registered its third victory, accounting for NilmaDarnum by 86 points. Dave Bracken negated many attacks and thrust the Dusties forward on a regular basis, Mark Davie showed his class slotting through six goals, Shane Ingham and Andrew Davidson often rebounded the ball out of defence and young onballer Leon Duncan played his best senior game. For NilmaDarnum, Powelltown recruit Jade Jensen, Grant Robinson and David Chugg all made their presence felt. The Bombers have scored 16 goals in their last two matches to suggest they are getting better.
Five firsthalf goals by powerhouse forward Aaron Jones set up Bunyip for a 25point victory over a determined Poowong. Carrying a 36point lead into the major break, the Bulldogs were given a scare in the third quarter when the Magpies hit back hard to sneak within a goal. Bunyip steadied in the last quarter but its victory came at a cost, champion big man Daniel Hagen suffering a recurrence of a quad injury that has dogged him all season. Shane Mumford was superb and is forging a reputation as one of the best and most combative big men in the league. Bunyip had a good spread of contributors led by midfielder Troy Holmes and defenders Sam Proctor and Nick Henwood.