WOORINEN have shaken off a slow start to defeat Lake Boga and leapfrog Balranald, moving into second position one week from season’s end.
The Magpies carried a narrow four-point lead into the quarter time break, but were unable to keep up with the rampaging Tigers who ran away to a 13.23 (101) to 10.9 (69) win.
Woorinen will need to beat undefeated Kerang next week, or hope that Swan Hill can provide an upset against Balranald, to remain in the top two.
Lake Boga had a number of changes from their side that defeated Balranald by five points the previous week.
Coach Angus Monfries, midfielder Jake Warren, ruckman Jacob Simpson and Lochie Laing were among the key absences.
The Magpies took the opportunity to introduce young colts players Kai Everett and Dustin Holmes to the fray for their senior debuts.
Everett opened the game in the ruck, and gave a good account of himself against a bigger and more experienced ruckman in Lachlan Gardner.
The Magpies started the game brightly, kicking three goals to the Tigers’ two in the first quarter, but Woorinen kicked into gear in the second term and didn’t look back.
Gardner put together another strong display, following up last week’s bag of six with five goals against a solid Lake Boga defence, while also providing his midfielders with first use of the football.
But it was a team-focused attacking style that led to Woorinen’s success on the day, with eight of their players finishing the day with a goal.
There were more goals on offer for the Tigers, although their goal-kicking accuracy – finishing with 23 behinds – almost kept the Magpies in the game.
Repeat inside-50s were a key feature of Woorinen’s game.
Lachlan Warburton and Dylan Godwin were impressive, as was Danko Bzenic.
Doug Beames played a key role in keeping Lake Boga’s forwards in check, alongside Mitchell Uhlhorn.
The Magpies’ best players included Nathaniel Holmes-Brown, who did well to get his hands to the football all game, and their top scorer for the day, Matt Taverna, who kicked four goals.
Dustin Burns added two goals to a strong all around performance. Jayden Lonergan also played well, working hard across the half-forward line.
Woorinen will be hoping to carry on this winning momentum into their final home-and-away game, facing the ultimate test in undefeated Kerang.
The Tigers will be hunting the upset win away from home on Saturday.
It will be a tough ask, but will provide the perfect challenge before their finals campaign begins.
Lake Boga should have an easier end to the regular season, taking on winless Koondrook-Barham.
They will be chasing a big win against the River Raiders at home, with Swan Hill and Cohuna on their tails in sixth and seventh respectively, but a victory should be enough to see them play in the finals.
FINAL SIREN
| WOORINEN | 2.3 | 5.10 | 9.15 | 13.23 | 101 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE BOGA | 3.1 | 4.3 | 6.7 | 10.9 | 69 |
VOTES
3 – Lachlan Warburton (Woorinen)
2 – Lachlan Gardner (Woorinen)
1 – Nathaniel Holmes-Brown (Lake Boga)
