The results concluding round nine of the Ellinbank football league have become telling.
One of the league’s local sides in Longwarry has stormed into top territory after a big victory on Saturday afternoon.
The Crows, barring the first behind of the game, lead from start to finish to defeat Trafalgar 14.7(91) to 6.6(42).
Trafalgar is a finals-worthy adversary for any side in the competition but were unable to compete against a rapid Crows side.
The Crows were led by star forward Jason Wells (five goals) while recruits Lachlan Willis and Riley Rundell had just as heavy of a presence.
Danny Brewster led Trafalgar goalscorers with two majors while brother Shane received a yellow card in a game full of feeling.
Dylan Farrell was immense for the losing side who slipped to third on the ladder.
An inaccurate Lang Lang has withstood a fierce Bunyip challenge to win 6.17(53) to 5.10(40).
The Tigers trailed at all changes except the final siren, having pillaged the lead in dramatic circumstances from Bunyip’s grasp.
Lang Lang coach Daniel Fry credits Bunyip with its performance but admits his side was not up to scratch on the day.
“In my entire career, I reckon that’s the worst half of footy I’ve seen,” Fry said honestly.
Down by 16 points at halftime, Fry knew things needed to change.
“Everything we tried in the first half didn’t come to fruition, I tried just about everything,” he said.
“We moved Brodie Leitch to half-back and he had a mountain of it; Lachy Barwick gave the boys a rev up at half time.
“I don’t know if it’s the middle of the year and guys are getting complacent, it’s a bit of a difficult one for us.”
Fry is shocked at Bunyip’s losing streak being in effect, crediting the improvement of the Bulldogs.
“I don’t want to take away from Bunyip because they were good, I don’t know how they haven’t pushed some sides, they’re going to improve,” he said.
“They’re going to be just fine with some of the young guys they have.”
The Tigers scraped through with the four points in the end; Barwick’s second goal being the sealer.
Bunyip welcomed back Lachie Petch, who was tremendous upon returning.
Catani’s recent demise continued after being overpowered by Neerim South 7.9(51) to 24.13(157).
Mason McGarrity kicked another leisurely 12 goals, taking his tally to 47 goals in the last four weeks.
Dean Smith and James Williams led the way for Catani, who are 3-6 after beginning the year 2-0.
Buln Buln’s newly installed confidence multiplied again on the weekend as they recorded their sixth consecutive win, this time over Yarragon 16.6(106) to 6.9 (45).
Braydon Preuss kicked another four goals for the Panthers but a nine-to-two-goal second half put the game away for Buln Buln.
Bailey Leatham’s four-goal contribution and Hayden Baker’s efforts meant the Lyrebirds extended their winning streak to six.
Ellinbank has patched up its wounds to cease a five-game losing streak, defeating Poowong comfortably 22.16(148) to 3.4(22).
After a tough slog in the first quarter the Eagles kicked five goals and nine goals in the second and third quarters respectively, swinging the result in their favour.
Lachlan Pratt kicked seven goals, backing up his efforts of five from last week to emerge as Ellinbank’s number-one forward.
For Poowong, Jett Blackwood and Conor Cunningham were best afield.
Nyora has mounted a sizeable comeback to acquire the win against Nilma Darnum 13.6(84) to 10.17(77).
The Saints trailed at every break but three goals in the final quarter from O’Pili Paora were the heroics needed to pinch victory.
Tyler Kirkbride was sensational for the winners while for Nilma Darnum, Nathan Campbell and Sage Tapner (three goals) were resilient in defeat.
Next week, Lang Lang travel to Nilma Darnum, Longwarry will head to Neerim in a heavily anticipated clash and Bunyip’s losing streak could be snapped against Poowong.
In other action, Buln Buln will host Catani, Ellinbank will welcome Nyora and Trafalgar will play down-the-road rivals Yarragon at home.
Results R9: Lang Lang 6.17(53) def Bunyip 5.10(40). Longwarry 14.7(91) def Trafalgar 6.6(42), Catani 7.9(51) def by Neerim South 24.13(157), Yarragon 6.9(45) def by Buln Buln 16.6(102), Poowong 3.4(22) def by Ellinbank 22.16(148), Nyora 13.6(84) def by Nilma Darnum 10.17(77).
Ladder: Neerim South 36, Longwarry 32, Trafalgar 28, Buln Buln 24, Lang Lang 24, Yarragon 20, Ellinbank 16, Catani 12, Nilma Darnum 12, Nyora 12, Bunyip 0, Poowong 0.
Fixture R10: Neerim South (1) v Longwarry (2), Bunyip (11) v Poowong (12), Buln Buln (4) v Catani (8), Nilma Darnum (9) v Lang Lang (5), Trafalgar (3) v Yarragon (6), Ellinbank (7) v Nyora (10).
