Leongatha wins thriller

LEONGATHA withstood a stern test from Traralgon, prevailing by three points after the Maroons led late in the final term.

Scarcely had the Parrots edged back in front, courtesy of a Tom Crocker set shot goal, Traralgon drove the footy into attack applying fierce pressure to Leongatha’s backline.

It was up to the challenge, but there were some nerve-wracking moments before the siren rang out to preserve Leongatha’s unbeaten run this season.

Leongatha coach Trent McMicking was delighted to get the win, commending his team for playing for each other, while paying credit to Traralgon.

“It was brutal, physical and skilful and was a high-standard top-of-the-table contest between two sides that were giving everything,” McMicking said.

Parrot Josh Hopkins suffered a broken hand, Tom Marriott required a number of stitches in his forehead, and Crocker hurt his arm, while Traralgon’s Matthew Northe sustained a leg injury.
The Parrots were under siege for much of the last term, having already withstood a menacing Traralgon charge during the third quarter.

Leongatha managed to work its way to a 21-point advantage at the final change, but Traralgon wasn’t discouraged, throwing everything at the Parrots in the run home.
Traralgon’s competitiveness was built on tremendous and disciplined defence.

The Maroons backline players were cool under pressure and continued to clear the footy from hazardous positions with well measured passes.

Traralgon was often able to withstand Leongatha’s forward thrusts then mount attacks of its own, with the Maroons’ dangerous forward line making life challenging for Leongatha’s backline.

Dylan Loprese, Jake Best and Harvey Howe were all imposing forward options for the Maroons.

After a competitive first quarter, won narrowly by Traralgon, Leongatha threatened to run away with the game during the second term as the Parrots took charge at stoppages.

Ben Willis engineered that with terrific ruckwork, but Traralgon lifted and went into half time with momentum after a late set shot major cut the Parrots’ lead to 17 points.

Willis’ contribution throughout the day was immense and included important defensive marks.

He and Justin Pellicano worked hard in the ruck against Traralgon stars Howe and David Brinker-Ritchie, the latter returning from VFL duties with Box Hill after being a standout performer against Port Melbourne the previous week.

Steve Forrester played a solid game in the backline, helping the Parrots prevail in a finals-like contest in which goals were hard-earned, with Travis Nash a prevalent defender throughout the day.  
“Steve Forrester’s last quarter pretty much saved the game,” McMicking said, mentioning a crucial tackle and a couple of vital intercept marks.

Leongatha was able to cover the absence of Jackson Harry, Matt Willcocks and Cade Maskell from its backline.

Marriott and Aaron Heppell played crucial onball roles, with both having a positive impact on the scoreboard with a couple of goals each, but also dropping back to take important defensive marks.
However, fellow ball magnet Cameron Stone was named the winner’s best player.

The elusive Crocker finished with three goals for the Parrots in just his third senior game for the season, with his arm which was numb for much of the last quarter having improved by Sunday.