Marriot leads Leongatha to success over Maffra

WHILE Leongatha didn’t quite deliver the consistently high standard of footy coach Trent McMicking demands, the Parrots still prevailed by 62 points over Maffra in front of a contingent of the club’s 1964 premiership players.

In a game that started in glorious sunshine before increasingly cold conditions took hold, top-placed Leongatha was always in control against improving, but bottom of the ladder Maffra.

Highlighting the increased competitiveness of the Eagles, when the sides met in Round 3 at Maffra, Leongatha claimed a 102-point win.

Much of Saturday’s success for the Parrots was due to a bullocking and skilful performance from skipper Tom Marriott, a clear best on ground whether winning the hard ball, setting up opportunities for teammates or booting goals. 

He finished with three majors as did teammates Tallin Brill, Jackson Harry and Jenson Garnham.

Harry again presented a mobile target for Leongatha’s midfielders, displaying his ability to mark while steaming out on a lead or overhead in a contest.

Cooper Alger continued to demonstrate why Leongatha brought him across from Warragul, with another classy display, again having the composure to find targets out of defence and able to push up the ground and have an impact, his efforts rewarded with a second quarter goal.

Sam Forrester and Jake van der Pligt worked hard at the coalface, winning plenty of the footy and distributing it to fellow Parrots, while Ben Willis continued his committed efforts in the ruck, with the likes of Noah Fixter playing a part in that department when needed.

Adam Trotto showed moments of class on the ball and kicked a goal on the run.

Matt Borschman worked hard in his 100th senior game.

Leongatha continued to be blighted by injuries, with the Parrots physio working hard on the sidelines.

Guy Dickson was out of action in the first term with a hamstring injury and the Parrots’ backline took a further hit during the opening half when Sean Westaway also hurt a hamstring, but the likes of Darcy Hume and Travis Nash continue to show good signs down back.

Jacob Lamers looked uncomfortable while undergoing assessment on the massage bench but returned to action.

Leongatha conceded just six goals for the game, a number McMicking was reasonably happy with, the coach noting his defence continued to hold up well despite the further losses of personnel.

However, at the last change, he had drawn the attention of his players to the fact the ball got over the top for a couple of Maffra goals during the third term, suggesting the Parrots were fortunate not to give away a couple of free kicks for chopping the arms during that period.

“I want you to really start communicating to make sure we stay on top of things,” McMicking urged his players.
Caleb Calwyn was the main target up forward for the outclassed Maffra, booting two thirds of the Eagles’ goals, with a bag of four, while Jett Killoran and Harry Stables were named the beaten side’s best.

“It was a bit ugly but we got it done,” McMicking said after the game.

“Skipper, your game was outstanding,” he told Marriott.

The coach stressed the importance of the next couple of games, both away encounters, against currently third-placed Moe and second-placed Traralgon, describing them as a mini finals series and urging his players to prepare well.