WEDDERBURN won a thrilling contest on Wycheproof-Narraport’s turf at Wycheproof in Saturday’s ninth round of the Goldacres North Central Football League’s senior footy season.
It was a crucial match for both clubs as Wedderburn went into the round eight points clear of the fifth-placed Demons.
The Redbacks led 25-16 at quarter-time and 40-32 by the main break.
The Boe Bish-coached Demons fired up to score 2.5 to 1.4 in the third to be within a point going into the final term.
In a dramatic finish both line-ups scored 2.2 as the Sam Barnes-coached Wedderburn claimed a 64-63 victory.
Leading goalkickers for the Redbacks were Tom Campbell, Jaran McKay and Jordan Rosengren on two each.
The Demons’ attack was led by Sam Faure, Cody Green and Gedd Hommelhoff on two each.
Wedderburn’s best were Joe Lockhart, Mitchell McEwen, Luke Holt, Tyson Webster, Corey Lowry and Isaac Holt.
Best for Wycheproof-Narraport were Spencer Allan, Damien Horbury, Gedd Hommelhoff, Joel Turner, Dane McLennan and Jack McHutchison.
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers won 176-57 at Charlton as Will Simpson kicked six goals in a best afield performance.
Other multiple goalkickers for the Tigers were Matt Elliott, five; John Summerhayes, four; Trent Donnan, three; Joel Donnan and Justin Ellis, two.
The Navies’ attack was led by Bailey Kemp and Nick Thompson on three apiece.
Best for the Tigers included Trent and Wade Donnan, Matt Elliott, Austin Mertz and Brody Weir.
Charlton’s best were Kade Blow, Aaron Walklate, Jed and Nick Thompson, Tim Hill and Charles Patullo.
The Birchip Watchem Bulls led 50-8 at half-time on their way to a 132-21 win against Boort at George Cartwright Oval in Birchip.
Lachy Foott booted four goals and Daniel Castellano added three majors for the Bulls.
Boort’s attack was led by Alex Davis on two.
Best for the Bulls were Marshall Rippon, Clayton Hinkley, Lochy Sirett, Elliot Jaeschke, Dylan Adkins and James Lindeback.
Boort’s best were Tom Potter, Keiren Wilson, Alex Davis, Jack Smith, Nathan Twigg and Sam Green.
The ladder-leading Donald was too strong for St Arnaud on the Royals’ turf at Donald.
The Saints made a great start to lead 19-16 at quarter-time, but Donald slammed on 6.3 to 0.2 in the second and 7.4 to 2.3 in the third term.
Leigh Burke, Blake Grant, Brody Haddow and Josh Potter all kicked three goals as Donald won 161-36.
Saints’ coach Torin Petrie kicked two goals.
Best for the Trevor Ryan-coached Birchip Watchem were Ryan Hards, Ryley Barrack, Josh Potter, Sam Griffiths, Brody Haddow and Scott Wood.
Bailey Durward, Matthew Goode, Jacob Tillig, Mitch Birthisel and Harley Durward played well for the Saints.
North Central FL senior footy ladder:
Donald 265 per cent, 32 points; Birchip Watchem 229, 32; Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 280, 28; Wedderburn 124, 24; Wycheproof-Narraport 79, 12; St Arnaud 41, 8; Boort 40, 8; Charlton 32, 0.
Leading goalkickers:
40 Billy McInnes, SLN.
27 William Sheahan, BW.
27 Daniel Castellano, BW.
21 Tom Campbell, W’burn; Blake Grant, D.
20 Will Simpson, SLN.
18 Leigh Burke, D.
17 Jordan Rosengren, W’burn.
16 Danny Benaim, W’burn; Cody Green, WN.
15 Brody Haddow, D.
14 Justin Ellis, SLN; Josh Potter, D.
13 Trent Donnan, SLN; Gedd Hommelhoff, WN; Jaran McKay, W’burn.
In next Saturday’s round 10 action, Donald meets Birchip Watchem in the battle of the ladder leaders at Donald.
Boort tackles Charlton at Boort Park.
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers and Wycheproof-Narraport clash at Sea Lake Oval.
St Arnaud faces Wedderburn on the Saints’ ground at Lord Nelson Park.
Written by Nathan Dole.
Photo Credit – Wedderburn Redbacks Facebook page.