Leongatha’s perfect home and away season

LEONGATHA players were congratulated on winning every home and away game of the season, also being reminded of the opportunity ahead, after sweeping Drouin aside in round 18.

“What we’ve done so far should be celebrated; it doesn’t happen often,” coach Trent McMicking said.

While the Parrots have a few days to bask in that accomplishment, training intensity will escalate from Thursday as McMicking ensures the squad maintains its sharpness despite not featuring in the first week of the finals.

He described the team’s performance against Drouin as “another huge tick”, noting that “the structures held up well”.

The Hawks threatened to mount a challenge in the early minutes, quickly moving into attack when the game got under way and holding their own for a while.

However, it was Leongatha that did all the damage on the scoreboard.

As the term progressed, the Parrots’ dominance increased, with the side charging to a 53-point quarter time advantage against a goalless Drouin.

The only meaningful resistance the Hawks mustered thereafter was a three-goal burst either side of halftime, that commenced with a major on the run in the dying moments of the second term.

Such was the organisation of Leongatha’s defence and the side’s command around the ground, that trio of Drouin goals was the beaten side’s only majors for the day.

In contrast, the ever-menacing Aaron Hillberg delivered five goals for the triumphant Parrots, with Justin Pellicano chipping in with four.

Pellicano also shouldered much of the day’s ruckwork, with fellow ruckman Ben Willis also helping the rampant Parrots onballers get plenty of the Sherrin.

Skipper Tom Marriott was one of those to capitalise, with his ball winning ability and assured use of the footy earning him best on ground status.

Luke Bowman was also highly productive for the winning side.

Young Gippsland Power talent Wil Dawson played his second senior game for Leongatha.

After spending much time in the ruck during his debut, he was stationed up forward throughout Saturday’s contest, finishing with three goals, as did Mason McGannon.

Luther Juric kicked just one major, but his ferocious attack on the footy and opponents created opportunities for teammates and saw him named in Leongatha’s best.

While it wasn’t the most challenging of days for the Parrots backline, coach McMicking was delighted with the ball movement his defenders generated when Drouin got the footy forward.

For the Hawks defence, it was a tough day, with the regularity and high quality of Leongatha’s attacking entries ensuring a profitable day for Parrots forwards.

However, Drouin’s backmen stuck at the task, with Jordan Kingi often clearing the ball from defence.

His hard work was acknowledged, being listed as Drouin’s best for the day.

Jarrod Marshall booted two of the Hawks three majors, with Aiden Quirk accounting for the other goal.

Kye Quirk was busy around the ball for the beaten team and only behind Kingi in its best.

While Leongatha hasn’t suffered defeat this season, a couple of fortunate escapes ensure the Parrots don’t get ahead of themselves when they tackle their semi final battle against either Wonthaggi or Sale for a grand final berth.