LAKE Boga will go into this Saturday’s big match against NNW United full of confidence after a 77-point win over Tooleybuc-Manangatang.
The Magpies’ sixth win for the season lifted them to fourth spot, now a game clear of Swan Hill in sixth, with the Demons a further game behind in seventh.
But last time the two teams met was a one-point win for Lake Boga, and NNW United have a seemingly easier run home, meaning both clubs’ seasons could well hinge on the outcome of this match, according to Lake Boga joint coach Angus Monfries.
“(NNW United) pushed Woorinen by all accounts and have been playing some really good footy of late,” Monfries said.
“They’re around a similar position to us on the ladder too – Shawn (Filo) always talks about eight-point games, and it’s definitely going to be one this week.”
Despite defender Matt Taverna being a late injury withdrawal, Lake Boga were never really challenged by the Saints, starting with five unanswered goals in the opening quarter to set up a 33-point lead in the windy conditions.
While Tooleybuc-Manangatang were far more competitive in the second term, and reduced the margin to 31 points at half-time, it was all one-way traffic from then on.
Lake Boga kicked eight goals to one on their way to a comfortable 14.18 (102) to 3.7 (25) victory.
Lochie Laing continued his good form, kicking six goals, with the centre half-forward constantly presenting and creating a strong marking target for his onballers.
Lake Boga’s midfielders controlled possession around the stoppages for much of the afternoon, with Jake Warren and Tyle Williams, along with attacking half back Lincoln Sieben, working perfectly with ruckman Jacob Simpson, who had the better of his duel with Tim Auckland.
While getting first hands on the ball helped get it going their way, it was the Magpies’ ball use that really stood out for Monfries, particularly given the trying conditions.
“We won the ball out of the centre and I felt our midfielders were on top for much of the day and gave us some good looks forward of the ball,” Monfries said.
“Previously we might have been a bit conservative with our ball use in conditions like those, but the boys were really good at taking the game on and being brave with the ball, hitting our inside kicks and switching the play, which really got us going.
“We were patient with our ball use and we opened the game up through our ball movement and that was something that helped our scoring.
“It was one of our better games for the year in terms of a four-quarter performance, we were really consistent across each quarter, which was good.”
The other impressive element to the Magpies’ game were the number of young players contributing.
Xavier Sherlock used the ball efficiently going inside 50 and Koben Ryan presented all day up forward, while Taverna replacement Noah Sherlock and Xavier Hartland were also impactful.
The Saints were well served by Ethan Goldfinch, who won plenty of ball in the middle, along with Blake Grant and Jack Mazzarella.
Richard Wardle, Connor Mcdonald and Ryan Domaille were also among their better players and Josh Williams kicked three goals.
The loss left the Saints in 10th on the Central Murray ladder as they prepare to host Swan Hill at Tooleybuc this Saturday.
FINAL SIREN
| LAKE BOGA | 5.3 | 6.9 | 10.12 | 14.18 | 102 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOOLEYBUC MANANG | 0.0 | 2.2 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 25 |
VOTES
3 – Lochie Laing (Lake Boga)
2 – Lincoln Sieben (Lake Boga)
1 – Jacob Simpson (Lake Boga)
