Another seven-goal haul from full-forward Ben Fuller has seen Balranald record a 38-point win over the Mallee Eagles and keep their finals hopes alive in the process.
After a tight opening quarter, the home side put their foot down after the first break to open up a 24-point lead at half time, with the Roos going on to record a comfortable 18.4.112 to 11.8.74 victory.
It wasn’t just Fuller who caused headaches for the visitors, with former AFL footballer Shaun McKernan also creating havoc in attack with four goals in a one-off match for Balranald. It was a big day for McKernan, who was moved into the ruck following an injury to Jordan Wilkins, where he managed to take the points in a tough duel with the Eagles ruckman Angus McKenzie, although both were given yellow cards during the match and spent 15 minutes on the bench.
Balranald joint coach Ben Mahon was effusive in his praise for McKernan and his impact not just on the game – but on the club as a whole, with the former Adelaide, Essendon and St Kilda forward also assisting with training last Thursday night.
“We actually outscored them in the third quarter when we had both Shaun (McKernan) and Drew Lloyd off the ground with yellow cards, which was a really good effort,” Mahon said.
“He was great for us, although (Tom) McGregor played really well on him when he was forward and was able to nullify him pretty well in the one-on-ones.
“We had to throw him into the ruck in the second quarter when ‘Larry’ (Wilkins) came off the ground with a knock and he absolutely dominated in the ruck – he was just too strong for Angus McKenzie, although full credit to him (McKenzie) as he did get a fair bit of footy around the ground and Harry Allen was just everywhere for them, he was probably close to being the best player on the ground despite playing in the losing side.”
Jydon Neagle was again prolific for the Roos, with their joint coach again dominating the game both behind the play and up forward, where he managed to slot three goals of his own.
“Jydon (Neagle) was incredible, he never wastes a possession and his ability to just find a target under pressure is next level,” Mahon said.
“Colin Andrews was another one who was crucial for us, especially in the second half when the game was in the balance and we were down to 17 men – he had a couple of important clearances and kicked a couple of really important goals when we needed them, while Tom Salau was really good for us as well.”
Fuller’s seven goals in the end proved to be the difference, with the key forward’s purple patch continuing this season.
Allen was dominant through the midfield, along with Beau Bennett – while Jacob Wade and McGregor were influential in the defensive half for the Eagles.
The Eagles now find themselves a win outside the top five and facing a must win game against Tooleybuc-Manangatang this Saturday, while Balranald will travel to Lake Boga to face the Magpies in a must win game for both clubs.
VOTES
3 – Jydon Neagle (Balranald)
2 – Harry Allen (Mallee Eagles)
1 – Ben Fuller (Balranald)
MATCH RESULTS
BALRANALD 4.2 9.3 12.3 18.4.112
MALLEE EAGLES 4.1 5.3 7.4 11.8.74
GOALS – BALRANALD – Ben Fuller 7, Shaun McKernan 4, Jydon Neagle 3, Colin Andrews 2, Seth Connell, Drew Lloyd 1.
MALLEE EAGLES – Andrew McDonald 6, Ayden Tessari 3, Luke Doolan, Jake Watson 1.
BEST – BALRANALD – Jydon Neagle, Benjamin Fuller, Colin Andrews, Ryan Middlebrook, Drew Lloyd, Jack Salau
MALLEE EAGLES – Beau Bennett, Jacob Wade, Tom Mcgregor, Logan Nalder, Angus McKenzie, Braidon Bennett
