WANGARATTA Rovers dashed Lavington’s hopes of playing finals in 2021 after a thrilling 12-point win over the defending premiers at home on Saturday.
VFL player Tyler Roos kicked an inspirational long goal across his body in the final quarter, while the Hawks also kicked two majors from the pocket to eke out a 13.13.91 to 12.7.79 victory.
Lavington will become the first O&M premiers in 35 years to miss finals.
Hawks football operations manager Barry Sullivan said it was a tough battle.
“I think the game certainly played out the way we expected, it was a tough game of footy,” Sullivan said.
“Lavington had our measure for the first two and a half quarters, we wasted opportunities and they used the footy well.
“We were grateful the boys responded and turned the game around in the second half.
"I think we were pretty fortunate to get over the line after a poor first half."
Despite Lavington’s poor four wins, eight losses record, Sullivan believes the Panthers are a much better side than their spot on the ladder suggests.
“Yeah I am surprised Lavington won’t play finals this year,” he said.
“They’ve lost some tight matches which has probably cost them so I am surprise they’re not in the finals mix.”
Rovers are involved in a fierce battle for the double chance with Myrtleford and Wodonga Raiders and after kicking inaccurately in the first half (3.10) to trail by 18 points, it looked as though the home team might blow its hold on third.
But a sizzling 7.2 in the third stanza set up an eight-point break before the thrilling final term.
In just his fourth senior game and first for 10 weeks, Jace McQuade produced his breakout match, while the classy Ryan Stone and big man Ed Dayman also excelled.
McQuade played on Panthers gun forward Aidan Johnson, keeping him to just one goal.
“Jace acquitted himself really well which was pleasing to see,” Sullivan said.
“Will Nolan kept his feet and used the footy really well as well.
“It was pleasing to see a few young players in the best because ‘Crezza’ (coach Daryn Cresswell) puts a lot of time into developing the players coming through.”
Surprisingly, Tyson Hartwig played his 150th match after injuring his anke in last weekend’s derby.
“Tys played really well, it was surprising that he was able to play after his ankle injury last weekend,” Sullivan said.
“He was extremely important for us.”
For the Hawks, four players kicked two goals, including Alex Marklew who is under investigation by the league over a social media video.
The Hawks now hold their spot in third position, sitting ahead of Myrtleford by percentage.
Cresswell re-signs for 2022
DARREN Cresswell has signed on as Rovers coach for the 2022 season.
“We’ve announced that ‘Crezza’ in on board for next year which is really exciting for the club as he’s a keen advocate for the young talent and developing young kids which we’re starting to see evidence of,” Rovers' football operations manager Barry Sullivan said.
Although the decision wasn't a surprise, given the two parties suggested as much after the win against Myrtleford on M...
