Panthers take the Shield

KILCUNDA-Bass reclaimed the Gus James Shield after a 36-point win over Korumburra-Bena on Saturday.

The Gus James Shield is played each year by these clubs to raise mental health awareness.

The Panthers travelled to the Korumburra Showgrounds to take on the Giants, eager to start its preparations for finals.

Playing in good conditions for footy, inaccurate kicking plagued Kilcunda-Bass early.

Korumburra-Bena played competitively and gave the Panthers a run, taking an early lead.

The teamwork was strong from the Giants, providing plenty of options coming out of the defence and demonstrating good, creative footy, which was pleasing for fans to watch. 

Kilcunda-Bass worked hard to ensure it had plenty of gettable set shots but didn’t take its chances and couldn’t get the break it was searching for.

The Panthers found their feet in the second quarter and launched their come back, securing an eight-point lead before halftime.

Their defence strengthened and a few more goals were added to the tally.

Regardless, Korumburra-Bena maintained its competitiveness and kept up the pace with two more goals of its own. 

Kye Benson and Josh Hopkins contained Kilcunda-Bass’ midfield, supporting Evan Allaway in the ruck.

The backmen, led by Byron Walker and Tyler Newton, also held strong all day. 

However, it was the third quarter where Kilcunda-Bass really hit its stride.

A dreaded quarter for Korumburra-Bena, Kilcunda-Bass managed to capitalise on the changes made during half time and had a little more breathing room with a 35-point advantage.

Korumburra-Bena was unable to react quick enough to nullify the changes made and the intensity from Kilcunda-Bass caused the margin to increase. 

Dean McRae kicked five goals for the day and Anthony Daraio remains one of the league’s top goal kickers with another four to his tally. 

Nathan Foote rallied the midfield and Scott Pugh played his first senior game for the year and impressed up forward. 

Korumburra-Bena did everything it could to stay in it, but once the avalanche had started, it was difficult to suppress the Panthers again. 

The damage had been done and Kilcunda-Bass eased into the fourth quarter, trialling some finals strategies.

Korumburra-Bena fought its way to the end and still took a lot of positives out of the game.

The Giants celebrated its final home game of the season, as well as the Sponsors’ Day.

The positive vibes both on and off the field have the club looking ahead to the 2025 season, and feel it is on the right track for future success.

In the meantime, the Giants has one game to go – an away clash against Koo Wee Rup.

It’ll be another tough ask, but not beyond Korumburra-Bena’s capabilities to come away with a win.

The Giants will have Paul Fermanis return to its lineup, and also hope to see Mitch Wightman return from injury. 

Kilcunda-Bass is now looking ahead to its final match up for the home and away season against the formidable Cora Lynn.

Another win for Cora Lynn will cement its place in the top two heading into finals.

The game promises to be an interesting one for Kilcunda-Bass who will have a first hand experience of the challenges they will face in the  upcoming WGFNC finals.