Wasteful Warragul made to pay
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A wasteful Warragul has been made to regret some early misses in a 45-point loss to Morwell at home.
The Gulls controlled large parts of the game early but just couldn't make the most of their chances before the visitors kicked away with 11 second half goals, the final score 14.10 (94) to 6.13 (49).
Their half time scoreline of 2.8 made for some difficult reading, giving the Tigers plenty of room to pounce.
Young Lucas Carter performed best for the Gulls putting in some massive efforts defensively when required.
Lane Ward's ability to win the ball through the middle was on display while veteran Brad Hefford impressed.
Jack Lewsey racked up disposals off half back and through the middle as per usual, Mitch Smart won hit outs at will and Sean Masterson impressed both down back and up forward.
For Morwell, it was Brandon Mcauliffe getting the job done through the midfield with some impressive efforts at the contest.
Vice-captain Zachary Anderson was a wall in defence as Judah Leak, Burkeley Macfarlane and Blake Couling all helped the Tigers along the way.
In what was a difficult slog for most of the day, the visitors were able to break the shackles late, kicking eight goals in the final term to slam the door on the Gulls after the latter had left it ajar earlier.
Early goals to Lane Ward and Caleb McIntosh had the home fans up and about in the first 10 minutes.
That was until the Gulls began struggling to connect forward of centre, often missing targets inside 50 and resulting in rushed kicks at goal or spoils from Tigers defenders.
A couple of defensive turnovers allowed the Tigers to bite back with goals to Riley Loprese and Boyd Bailey before quarter time and cutting Warragul's lead to three.
Both teams put up the defensive wall in the second, the only goal of the term coming after the Tigers found the overlap handball to allow Cohen Campbell to walk into an open goal.
The Gulls had their chances again but often let themselves down, whether it be through poor kicking, handballing or decision making.
Past half time, Gulls' coach Jed Lamb swung the magnets around, sending intercept marking defender Masterson forward.
It worked a treat, with Masterson swinging around from 50 metres on the boundary line to slot a magnificent goal to regain the lead for Warragul.
Morwell took their turn to waste some opportunities, before consecutive goals to Tom Smith, Cody MacDonald and Brandon McDonald gave them a 14-point advantage.
Masterson popped up again just before three quarter time, clunking a heavily contested mark in front of goal and kicking truly to keep his side in the hunt.
Warragul's hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed, however, when the Tigers burst out the front of the first ball-up in the last quarter to allow Campbell a goal on the run.
Further goals to Tyler Brown and MacDonald quickly put the game beyond reach.
A dangerous tackle on Gull Kai MacLean caused tempers to fray as yellow cards were handed out to both sides.
Emotions ran high until late in the game when the Warragul runner was handed a red card and sent off following words with an umpire.
That anger was matched only by the Tigers' joy at having buried the Gulls late, lifting them back into fourth position with two games remaining.
Those two matches are going to be blockbuster stuff – firstly against Sale, a side desperate to take their spot in the top five, and then Traralgon with whom Morwell played out one of the most thrilling draws in Gippsland League history earlier this season.
No matter how it goes, their destiny is in their own hands.
For Warragul, it's about building for 2025. Injuries to key players like Lamb and Tom Hobbs have dimmed the Gulls a bit, but they've been a more competitive unit this year.
A week off will do them nicely before clashes with Moe and Maffra end their campaign.
It’s moments from disaster for Warragul’s Vinnie Caia as he is about to be tackled by Morwell opposition.
Photographs by CRAIG JOHNSON.