MURRABIT came heartbreakingly close to a shock win against Moulamein at the weekend, in a thrilling contest that went right down to the wire.
A two-goal to none final quarter proved enough for Moulamein in the come-from-behind, 11.7 (73) to 10.6 (66) win.
The match was characterised by its scrappiness, with both teams struggling to break their opponent’s defence in the pouring rain.
Pressure was strong at every contest, leading to missed opportunities at both ends.
The opening term was a stop-start affair, with neither team able to grab momentum and Murrabit entering the second quarter just five points ahead.
The Blues soon extended their lead to 17 points, before the Swans found their feet towards half-time, taking control around the stoppages and moving the ball forward easily to take a 14-point lead.
Murrabit’s hopes of victory were reignited early in the second half when a 50-metre penalty provided an easy goal.
The Blues followed up with three goals in quick succession to again turn the game on its head, taking a four-point lead into the last quarter.
Both teams had plenty of chances to grab the win, but inaccurate kicking was a problem.
A goal from Moulamein’s Corey Farrell with five minutes left on the clock gave the Swans a two-point advantage.
Murrabit missed a golden opportunity to secure their first win of the season in the dying minutes, when Michael Zambelli rushed his opportunity in front of goal, managing only a behind.
An after-the-siren goal gave Moulamein a seven-point victory.
Damian Cupido was the star for the Blues, kicking four goals, while Tobie Cameron, Dustin Blake and the Aujard brothers, Jono and Ed, were also strong contributors.
For the Swans, Daniel Aarsman’s six goals proved the difference, with the midfielder-forward among the better players on the ground, along with teammates Rodney Reeves, Amos Farrell, Cody Storm and coach Heath Moloney.
At Ultima, the Roos continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 34-point win over Hay.
The home side led at every change in the 13.8 (86) to 7.10 (52) victory, with Tom Bull kicking three goals and taking best-afield honours.
Hugh Crighton returned to the Lions line-up and was one of their better players, along with Fergus Cattanach and Daniel Stewart, while for the Roos, Bailey Codling, Caillum Brady, Jamie Nicholas and coach Kyle Symons, along with Bull, were among their best.
Traditional rivals Macorna and Wandella did battle, with the Tigers recording a comfortable 81-point win at home.
The loss left the Bombers, perennial finalists, in a precarious position two games outside the top four and at serious risk of not seeing any September action this year.
Troy Parker (six goals), Lachlan Ritchie (five) and returning former coach Wayne Mitrovic (five) recorded 16 goals between them, with the Bombers’ defence having no answer for the Tigers forward set-up.
Nick Ingleton and Shaun Haffenden were also among Macorna’s better players, while Adam Ward, Jonty Taylor and Archer Lancaster were named as Wandella’s best.
