NYAH-Nyah West United have fallen agonisingly short of breaking Kerang’s unbeaten streak, losing by just a point at Riverside Park.
A last-gasp goal by Hayden Hall broke the Demons’ hearts and gave Kerang their 13th win of the season, 11.14 (80) to 12.7 (79).
An added blow for NNW United was a fresh injury to co-coach Corey Daniels, who is likely to be sidelined for the rest of the season.
After carrying a three-goal lead into the final term, Kerang were faced with an onslaught of NNW United pressure late in the game.
Young Demons star Ethan Curran kicked a goal that brought his side within a point of the Blues, before co-coach Nick O’Neill calmly slotted what many thought was NNW United’s winning goal.
But Kerang quickly responded with an on-the-run goal and followed with intricate possession play to wind down the clock.
NNW United co-coach Nick O’Neill said even he wasn’t sure how the game had ended.
“We had the belief going into that fourth quarter that we could run over the top, and we just went for it,” he said.
“In the end, that scoreboard had us all a bit confused. I didn’t know if we were up or down, to be honest.
“I think we probably should have won that game, so I’m really proud of all of our guys.”
O’Neill said he thought his side’s run and carry forced Kerang into a slower-paced game.
“They do like to run and carry and get those handball receives but we didn’t see them doing too much of that.
“I think they realised we probably had the better run, which forced them back into that chip-pass game.”
Kerang coach Troy Coates said the final moments were “nerve racking” and gave his team a lot to learn from.
“We really worked hard for the win in that last little bit of the game, especially those last couple of minutes,” he said.
“When we hit the front we’d sent couple of boys back, and I was just so impressed with how we controlled the ball. It was just really smart footy from the boys.
“That sort of thing is hard to practise – obviously you don’t get those sorts of games every week.
“We have had a few easier games lately, so it’s a good reality check for some of our guys to realise we still have to keep working.
“Our guys are a pretty proud group. When the game is on the line they know when to stand up and have a bit of smarts out there.
“We’ve got an older group, so we’ve got a lot of leaders here. Guys who have captained or coached footy before, who know what’s needed in those moments.”
Kerang captain Josh Nitschke was integral to the win, providing run and breaking lines with his long kicking.
Midfielder Sam Heavyside was superb all day, winning the inside ball and cleanly supplying it to Kerang’s runners, including Rylee Smith.
Defenders Jesse Clark and Josh Hunter were strong in defence for the Blues, as they dealt with a multi-pronged Demons forward line.
Riley Daniels was one of NNW United’s best players on the day, kicking four goals and providing intense forward pressure alongside brother Corey.
For Corey, however, the day didn’t end as planned. He limped from the field after re-injuring his hamstring, which will sideline him for the rest of the season.
Kerang also had their share of hamstring troubles. Lachlan Ross was unable to run the game out due to hamstring soreness and Heavyside was also sore following the match.
NNW United will have to replace Daniels for a do-or-die clash this week with sixth-placed Swan Hill. A win would be enough to seize the Swans’ ladder position.
Kerang will continue their run towards the finals by facing Cohuna, followed by Balranald and Woorinen in the final two rounds.
FINAL SIREN
| Kerang | 4.4 | 6.6 | 9.10 | 11.14 | 80 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NNW United | 3.2 | 6.2 | 7.5 | 12.7 | 79 |
VOTES
3 – Josh Nitschke (Kerang)
2 – Sam Heavyside (Kerang)
1 – Riley Daniels (NNW United)
