Foster dominates battle of the Tigers

By Rover

TOP-OF-THE-TABLE Foster outshone Mirboo North everywhere in its 81-point win in 15-degree sunshine at Tigerland, on Saturday.

Foster’s one-sided victory also pushed Mirboo North out of the top six and down to eighth spot on the ladder — after Tarwin and Boolarra gained four points each from their round-17 byes.

If Mirboo North is to play in this year’s finals, it must defeat Boolarra at Tigerland this Saturday and hope MDU overcomes Tarwin, in the final home and away round of 2025.

Each of these three teams is currently on 36 points, with seven wins apiece from 15 matches.

After managing just one goal in its 28 June showdown against Foster at the Foster Showgrounds, Mirboo North recorded two majors in the return clash.

The first Mirboo North goal came in the opening term from Ethan Woodall and just before three-quarter time, Jesse Chila, kicked the hometown Tigers’ other major.

Mirboo North was without its vice-captain, Riley Oddy, after he was injured in a tackle, a couple of minutes into the contest.

After Foster held a 10-point lead at the first break, the visitors — with the choppy east wind at their backs — blew the game wide open, recording 6.4 to zero in the second quarter, through fast, play-on-at-all-costs, quality football.

By half-time, Foster’s overall dominance had turned this battle between Mid Gippsland’s two teams of Tigers, into a one-horse race.

Those dominating incessantly for Foster included Angus Norton, Jake Thornell, Jack Rathjen, Jack Flavelle and Billy Flavelle.

Norton finished the afternoon with three goals, whilst Jack and Billy Flavelle booted three and two majors respectively for the visiting Tigers.

Other major goal kickers for Foster — with two apiece — were Troy Van Dyke and vice-captain, Jake Best, who increased his season’s tally to 77 majors.

Fortunately for Mirboo North, its defence tightened up in the third quarter, limiting Foster to one goal that reduced its deficit to 47 points at the last change.

However, Foster finished off the match with a strong final term by booting a further five goals, whilst Mirboo North remained scoreless.

Best performers for Mirboo North were Beau Peters, Jesse Chila, Rhys Kratzat, skipper Hudson Kerr, Harry Mahoney and Will Jacka.