Wonthaggi Powers into finals campaign
WONTHAGGI skipper Aiden Lindsay inspired his team to a narrow quarter time lead and was a major factor throughout the day as Power took complete control after the first break. The 92-point win ensured Power secured second spot on the ladder and will...
WONTHAGGI skipper Aiden Lindsay inspired his team to a narrow quarter time lead and was a major factor throughout the day as Power took complete control after the first break.
The 92-point win ensured Power secured second spot on the ladder and will enter its qualifying final against Sale full of confidence.
Lindsay booted three goals and was well supported by other prodigious ball winners, with Mitch Hayes contributing all over the ground and capping off his excellent performance with a couple of majors.
Andrew Murray was a livewire up forward for the victorious Power nailing four goals, including an entertaining third quarter effort in which he weaved his way past Moe’s defensive attempt.
Darcy Brosnan provided spark at times, whether driving Wonthaggi forward from defence or contributing onball.
Jack Hutchinson booted three goals, with a couple of those coming in a burst late in the second quarter, one a set shot from out wide and the other an impressive recovery after going to ground, bouncing up, evading an opponent and goaling on the run.
Noah Anderson and Jakeb Thomas also notched three goals apiece for Power.
Although already well beaten by the final change, Moe started the last term brightly with a couple of quick majors, but Wonthaggi was then able to assert its superiority to ensure it won every stanza.
Like Lindsay, Lions captain Jacob Wood showed tenacity for his side, willing to work hard whether in possession or applying pressure to opponents.
He ensured an onball presence for the outgunned Moe and finished with a goal, with Harrison Sim also doing some positive work for the beaten team.
Ben Morrow was named best for the Lions, recognising his toil in the ruck.
Harrison Pepper was Moe’s only multiple goalscorer, managing a couple of majors.
Wonthaggi can expect a tight battle when it takes on Sale at Morwell Recreation Reserve in Saturday’s Qualifying Final, with the winner to battle it out with Leongatha for a spot in the Grand Final.
Little separated Power and the Magpies in their two home and away meetings this season.
Wonthaggi commenced its 2022 campaign with an 8-point win over Sale, despite an inaccurate display that yielded Power just seven goals and 17 behinds.
When the sides met again in round 10, Power’s vastly-improved accuracy made the difference in a 1-point win.
