Wonthaggi Power survives a scare against a plucky Drouin
WELL, Wonthaggi Power have survived an absolute thriller at Wonthaggi today against a brave Drouin side that just kept coming over the closing stages. But Wonthaggi weren’t without their own heroes on the day with Drouin hitting the front for the...
WELL, Wonthaggi Power have survived an absolute thriller at Wonthaggi today against a brave Drouin side that just kept coming over the closing stages.
But Wonthaggi weren’t without their own heroes on the day with Drouin hitting the front for the first time in the match with not much more than five minutes remaining in the match.
Just seconds after Drouin hit the front, Wonthaggi ran the ball forward in a chain started by Toma Huther, through the hands of Ryan Sparkes and Harry Dawson finishing up with Troy Harley who kicked truly from the angle to put the Power back in front.
Both teams had their chances in the run to the line, but Wonthaggi’s backs really locked down across half back through the likes of Kyle Reid, Josh Schulz, Jye Gilmour and Fergus O’Connor and the attack on the ball by the Blair brothers, Jarryd and Jack, plus Toma Huther constantly getting his hands on the ball, Sparkes, Lindsay and Mabilia working hard at the contest, with a touch of class from Isaac Chugg thrown in, it was just enough to hold Drouin at bay.
In game’s last gasp, Jarryd Blair added value to the Chugg’s mark at half forward, by passing with precision to the lively Cooper McInnes who sold some candy to get around the mark and slot it through for the sealer just as the siren sounded for a nine-point win.
But it was nearly the “one that got away” for the Power who looked to be in charge for most of the game.
But Drouin had some goers on the ball, including Aiden Kirk on Aiden Lindsay, Ryan Taylor in the ruck, Sebastian Amoroso on Sparkes and Charlie Bethune going with Jarryd Blair, and a couple of strong marking forwards, making it a really tight contest, especially in the second half.
It was noticeable that Power missed the presence of Jack Hutchinson up forward, and could have used a small forward for the amount of times the ball came loose under the leading forwards.
But, in the end, you take the win and look forward to the big trip to Bairnsdale next Saturday.
