HONOURING the veterans by playing the game they loved most, Gippsland gave its all to ensure their ANZAC Day fixture against Northern Knights would live up to the occasion.
The match against the Knights was preceded by a moving ANZAC Day memorial service dedicated to the many young men who landed at Gallipoli 100-years-ago to the day.
The Knights opened the match with a slick goal from the opening bounce which only inspired the Power to step up a notch. Power’s Todd Beck gave Tate Marsh a chance to use his amazing pace and evasive skills to give on-baller Tom Papley a typically clever goal.
For the first time in many games, the Power were very effective in their use of the ball once they entered the forward fifty – scoring six majors from their fourteen entries. And once again through appropriate ball use by Skinner and Marsh, McKay goaled after a free kick.
Yet again the Knights goaled from the centre bounce – stealing many of the Power ruckmen’s clean hit outs – but then added to their own woes by wasting hard-won possessions with poor finishing.
If the second term was ‘iffy’ for the Power, the third was simply diabolical as the Knights had the chance to not only reduce the gap but take a well-deserved lead. The ineffectiveness of the Power’s play in the third term was reflected in only one goal from their 10 forward-50 entries.
Just when it appeared the Power had shaken off their opposition, the Knights reminded them that they were still ready to capitalise on any opportunity with a timely goal. But it was all too late as Gippsland held on.
Todd Beck worked very hard in tight contests to apply intense pressure on opponents as well as winning the ball himself. He took things to another level by consistently backing his judgement, taking opponents on with his pace and avoidance skills while setting up scoring opportunities for others.
The Power now has the chance to further improve their position on the TAC Cup ladder when they take on the Western Jets at Morwell on Sunday.
TAC CUP
GIPPSLAND 6.1 9.5 10.5 14.8 (92)
NORTHERN 2.1 6.1 8.8 9.11 (65)
Gippsland Goals: D. Costigan 2, S. Skinner 2, J. McMahon 2, H. McKay 2, J. Patullo, A. Ferreira, T. Papley, N. Holmes, C. Buykx-Smith, N. Argento. Best: N. Holmes, J. Patullo, C. Buykx-Smith, H. McKay, W. Leslie, T. Beck.
Northern Goals: B. Jordan 3, K. Malone 2, J. Gresham 2, M. Maynard, C. McKay. Best: J. Gresham, M. Ercolano, J. El Moussalli, L. Murphy, M. Maynard, J. Marchbank.
