By Russell Bennett
A HOST of local young guns have spurred the Gippsland Power to an impressive 47-point win over the Northern Knights at Preston City Oval on Saturday, 12.13 (85) to 5.8 (38).
Right from the outset, the Gippsland outfit displayed the style of unflinching approach to the contest it had become renowned for, and refused to let up. Kooweerup livewire forward Nathan Voss slotted the first goal of the clash and went on to boot two more – including a jaw-dropper from the ruck handiwork of Leongatha big man Julian Patterson.
Nar Nar Goon’s Trent Armour also slotted an impressive goal and continued to display the kinds of second and third efforts for which he’s made himself known, while talls Josh Patullo (Warragul) and Sean Masterson (Ellinbank) also showed plenty.
Patullo went into the game having lost his grandfather Geoff earlier in the week, but despite the trying personal circumstances, he dominated in combination with Patterson. Masterson, meanwhile, showed his stellar all-around ability both in the air and at ground level from his key defensive post.
Officer’s Callum Porter was also outstanding through the midfield, with the uncompromising tackling machine recording another 20-plus possession game.
After the Power’s fast start, Leigh Brown’s men stayed focussed and maintained a five-goal advantage at the main break before extending that to a match-winning 46 points with just a quarter left to play.
Skipper Ben Ainsworth (three goals) was yet again brilliant with another three-goal haul. He has been invited to the National Combine – held in early October – while Masterson has been invited to the State Combine.
Off the back of plenty of positive momentum over recent weeks, the Power concludes its season this Saturday from 2pm at IKON Park (Princes Park) against the Bendigo Pioneers.
