Panthers break 10-year drought

EASTER Saturday’s match was one for the history books, as Kilcunda Bass’ Seniors defeated Inverloch-Kongwak for the first time in 10 years.

The drought-breaking game is sure to set the tone for Kilcunda Bass’ 2025 campaign, with the Panthers enjoying a lot of early success.

“We were in great form in round one. We lost in round two, but you don’t know how things are going to go until the season starts. Warragul Industrials are a strong team, and we still played some good footy. There were a lot of positives to take from that game,” Kilcunda Bass coach Lee Rowe said.

“We took what we learnt into the game against Inverloch and we were pretty happy with the result.”

It was a beautiful day at the Inverloch-Kongwak Recreation Reserve, with a huge crowd turning out for the Easter Saturday clash and a slight breeze towards the town end.

Both teams looked to be in good shape heading into the match.

Kilcunda Bass lacked momentum in the first 10 minutes of the game, allowing Inverloch-Kongwak to get a few goals onto the scoreboard early.

Inverloch-Kongwak’s goal-scoring efforts were led by Nick Baltas, who kicked four for the day.

Kilcunda Bass managed to get one goal on the board but was unconcerned going into quarter-time because the defence had held up and Inverloch-Kongwak was unable to kick away.

The Panthers aimed to be even at halftime and managed that and more as it established a 13-point margin before the siren.

Though it took a while for the game to open up, Kilcunda Bass was able to make a few adjustments and kicked five goals as a reward.

Kilcunda Bass dominated the stoppages and started getting on top through the middle.

Captain Nathan Foote and Travis Tuck were assets in the midfield. 

The third quarter had fans on both sides on the edge of their seats as Inverloch-Kongwak came back within three points of the Panthers.

Inverloch-Kongwak made some key changes through the middle and started to dominate around the ground again, finding more opportunities in front of goal. 

The Sea Eagles kicked three goals to the Panthers’ one, but the Panthers modified their game to a more defensive strategy with the aim of containing Inverloch-Kongwak’s score.

Steven and Lochlan Scott played an essential role in the backline, playing on Inverloch-Kongwak’s key forwards and delivering some crucial defensive rebounds. 

For Inverloch-Kongwak, Dylan Clark was an asset in several roles, and Joseph Nowell played a commendable game up forward. 

A positive third quarter gave Kilcunda Bass the final boost it needed to finish off the work in a blaze.

Right throughout the match, Inverloch-Kongwak was unable to maintain the flow of the ball and will be taking on the things it will need to work on going forward. 

Winning the clearances, Kilcunda Bass had control of the ball and pulled away to a 32-point victory.

Rowe congratulated his team on getting the job done, making special mention of the young players who have well and truly found their footing in the Seniors.

“Kilcunda Bass is benefiting from bringing up its young kids to play in the Seniors,” he said.

“Without an U18s side, these kids have had to step up before their time and the club is now reaping the rewards. Many of them have 25 games under their belt now, and they play with great instinct.”

The challenges will not get any easier for Kilcunda Bass as it prepares to play Phillip Island in the Anzac Round this weekend, looking to create a little more history.

Inverloch-Kongwak will be taking on Cora Lynn at the Cora Lynn Recreation Reserve.

These clubs created a rivalry in the first year of the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition after playing off in the grand final, and Cora Lynn ended last season on top of the ladder so Inverloch-Kongwak is preparing for another tough battle.