Wonthaggi powers on against Warragul

WONTHAGGI jumped to the top of the ladder with a commanding 112-point win over Warragul as Leongatha faces a tough challenge against Moe in the second week of a split round 16, giving Power hope of keeping its prized position.

While Wonthaggi already enjoyed a comfortable 39-point lead over Warragul by half time, the Gulls were able to slow Power down to that stage, Wonthaggi often reliant on patient build ups to score goals.

Powers’ dominance escalated in the second half with Wonthaggi delivering a blistering nine-goal third stanza while keeping Warragul scoreless.

After the long break, the Gulls could find no way to thwart Wonthaggi’s precise ball movement as Power players found teammates in space.

Hunter Tiziani was one of the standouts in the third term booting a couple of majors in quick succession, and willing to work further up the ground when his team required.

He finished with four goals for the day as did Noah Anderson.

Such was the high standard of Wonthaggi’s delivery and the multiple options it enjoyed up forward, Jack Hutchinson also had a day out booting five majors.

Power skipper Aiden Lindsay finished with a couple of goals for the game including a set shot to end the first term and was menacing whether in attack or elsewhere, with Mitch Hayes also kicking a couple of majors.

Lucas Monacella was forced to work hard in the ruck for Warragul, Wonthaggi giving Jakeb Thomas plenty of opportunity there but Toma Huther also taking turns in that department.

Ryan Sparkes was deservedly named as the winning side’s best player, helping set a positive tone from early on with his accurate delivery to teammates and notching a goal, maintaining his high standard throughout the match.

Kyle Reid stood out not just because of his red hair but also his confident marking and precise passing.

While Warragul struggled to create forward opportunities, Reid was one of the Wonthaggi players doing a good job of ruining the Gulls’ attacking forays, with his skilful reading of the play shining through.

Thomas and Tiziani featured in the best for Power, with former Collingwood man Isaac Chugg also enjoying a productive day.

Luke Garner, Corbin Sutherland and Patrick Ireland accounted for Warragul’s three goals, with Sean Masterson recognised as the beaten team’s best, while Monacella’s determined effort in the ruck ensured his performance was rated highly by the Gulls.

Wonthaggi now enjoys a weekend off before welcoming fourth-placed Traralgon to Power’s home turf.