Traralgon skips away in last quarter against Wonthaggi

FIRST quarter goals to Jakeb Thomas and Brayden Duve got Wonthaggi off to a positive start on Traralgon’s turf, a tight contest then developing, with Power in touch on the scoreboard at three quarter time before the Maroons proved too strong in the final stanza to win by 27 points.

Power was just seven points adrift entering the last term but after a few minutes of goalless action, Traralgon’s Jacob Van Iwaarden nailed a set shot, with another from his teammate Josh Hamilton pushing the margin beyond three goals.

A Thomas major from a free kick kept Wonthaggi hopes alive but Traralgon responded with the next couple of goals, ultimately booting five for the quarter to Wonthaggi’s two.
Backmen on both sides featured prominently in a low scoring match.

For Wonthaggi, Fergus O’Connor continued to play a strong defensive role using the ball well by foot and sneaking forward for a goal, being named Power’s best, Jye Gilmour had a great game across the halfback flank and stalwart fullback Shannon Bray also impressed.

Traralgon skipper Tye Hourigan was instrumental to his side’s win having 26 possessions across the halfback line, with Wonthaggi selecting him as the opposition’s best, while Jackson McMahon was another to impress for the Maroons in that part of the field.

Jack Blair led the way in the midfield for Power, with good support from the likes of Aiden Lindsay, Wonthaggi’s football director Stu Gilmour pleased with the side’s improved output in that area and feeling it had the better of Traralgon in that department.

Young Traralgon midfielder Luis D’Angelo was named best by his side, again proving a strong workhorse and creating opportunities for fellow Maroons.  

While Gilmour was pleased with much of what he saw, he readily acknowledged Power was outplayed overall.

“Traralgon put a lot more pressure on the ball carriers than what we did,” he said, noting that was something the Maroons maintained throughout pretty much the entire game.

Wonthaggi’s early lead was set up by capitalising better on opportunities, with Traralgon winning a healthy share of possession from the outset.

While Power has won just one of its five matches for the season, there is a positive vibe at the club as the side continues to gel following significant change to the complexion of the team this year, including the introduction of players such as Kaj Patterson, Brayden Duve and Reeve Moresco.

Thomas was Wonthaggi’s multiple goal scorer with three majors, a figure matched by Traralgon’s Hamilton.

Power should head into a weekend off on a positive note after hosting last placed and winless Maffra this Saturday, but the Eagles will have gained confidence from a competitive showing against Morwell.