Early finals hurdle for Wonthaggi Power at Morwell

WONTHAGGI Power has named a settled lineup for its crucial match against Morwell at the Morwell Recreation Reserve this Saturday, a “must win” game if the Power is to take any part in this year’s finals series.

Two other games in the Gippsland League, Sale versus Moe and Traralgon versus Bairnsdale will also have a bearing on the make up of the final five, even at this early stage, but if both Bairnsdale and Sale lose to higher-ranked opposition, Wonthaggi would close to within a game and percentage of those two.

How likely is it that Wonthaggi will win? It’s a tough ask at Morwell, against an opponent that showed commendable resilience in holding off a rampaging Traralgon side last Sunday to eke out a draw.

But they’d have put everything into that and if there’s any sign of complacency after the big Valley derby, the Power might be able to take them after having the result at their mercy against Moe last Saturday.

There was a lot to like about how the Power won the ball in defence last week and transferred it forward to where the forwards looked better organized and might easily have kicked a winning score.

They’ll want to win more of the centre breaks and stoppages but they were hitting sustainable form last week and taking an important scalp here would not surprise.

There’s no doubting the team’s back six of Shannon Bray, Josh Schulz, Fergus O’Connor, Jye Gilmour, Jakeb Thomas and Isaac Chugg; all in winning form and the forwards too, led by Cooper McInnes and Noah Anderson are showing promising signs, but you’d like to see those in supporting roles, including Mitch Hayes, Jaxon Williams and the coach himself, Jarryd Blair slotting a goal or two each to aid the cause.

So, all roads lead to Morwell on Saturday and if the Power wins, it’ll be a hearty celebration on the way home as well with the club planning a social fundraiser during the return trip.

Netball a contest

The A Grade netball match between Wonthaggi and Morwell also shapes as a watershed moment for both teams, with the Power sitting sixth and Morwell, which snatched a stirring draw against Traralgon last weekend, below them in seventh.

Wonthaggi needs the win to stay in touch with Bairnsdale in fifth place, but it won’t be easy on the Tigers’ home court.

Wonthaggi have named Chelsea Bowman (GS), Ellie Bates (GA), Jess Blair (WA), Hannah McRae (C), Olivia Gilmour (WD), Alana McRae (GD), Cassidy Bowman (GK) and Courtney Brann(INT).

Leongatha hosts finals nemisis

You might think it hard to mount a case for Maffra against Leongatha at Parrot Park on Saturday but the old rivalry runs deep and the result might not reflect ladder positions, first against last.

Despite having only one win from nine games this season, the Eagles’ body of work in the past month has been much better, running Morwell, Wonthaggi and Moe to within a kick before registering a win against Warragul last week.

There appear no chinks in the armour of the strong team Leongatha has selected for Saturday, so no encouragement there for the visiting Eagles but they’ve certainly been better in recent weeks and can’t be taken lightly.

Leongatha’s A Grade netballers would be expected to win.

60-year premiership reunion

The day at Leongatha will be highlighted by the 60th anniversary reunion of the Parrots' premiers of 1964; in the Seniors, Reserves, Thirds and A Grade netball. From the era of the likes of Alan Sperling, Rob Fennell and Bob Wallis, among others, it was a golden day for the club and one worth celebrating again.

Ex-players and officials are invited to meet at 11.45am for a series of Q&A sessions with players of the day, inverviewed by author Dan Eddy and organiser Tony 'Jock' Johnston.

There will be the opportunity for photos and get-toghethers at the footy at half time and afterwards for a reunion dinner at 6pm. See you there.