Sport
5 August, 2024
Maroons survive shootout, Ben Edwards moves to within ten of the ton
Nullawil jump into top-four through thrilling 32-goal game win
Nullawil has moved into the NCFL's top four following a thrilling win over Boort on Saturday.
In one of the games of the season, Andrew Casey kicked the sealer deep into time on to snatch the four points from a brave Magpies unit.
It was a high-scoring end-to-end shootout with 32 goals kicked between the sides.
With Wedderburn losing, the Maroons moved into fourth spot ahead of a crunch clash between the two clubs next Saturday.
"It was a pretty even contest, and we got over the line late, but it could have gone either way," Maroons coach Darryl Wilson said.
"It was a very open, free-flowing, and entertaining game, and the ground at Nullawil is fairly conducive to that.
"We've got to keep winning, so it was good to get the chocolates, but we have some work to do."
Adam Thompson was the difference between the sides, slotting six goals with the next best on the afternoon, Boort's James Keeble and Tom Potter kicking three each.
The Maroons' star midfielders Matthew Wade and Rylee Smith were also heavily influential, while the return of captain Jordan Humphreys from injury has given the team's finals aspirations a timely boost.
"Jordan played his first game since early May, and he gives us a lot of stability and leadership," Wilson said.
BIRCHIP-WATCHEM VS WEDDERBURN
Birchip-Watchem full forward Ben Edwards will kick 100 goals in 2024, but can he do it by the end of the home-and-away campaign?
That will be the question ahead of the Bulls' regular-season closer against Wycheproof-Narraport next week before a round 18 bye.
His seven goals against Wedderburn took Edwards to 90 for the season as his side cruised to an 11.14 (80) to 5.5 (35) win over the Redbacks.
The minor premiership will be theirs if they beat the Demons next week.
While the Maroons will still be in the hunt even if they lose next week, if the Redbacks fail to secure the four points, it will be curtains in 2024 for Tom Metherell's men.
ST ARNAUD VS SEA LAKE-NANDALY
Sea Lake-Nandaly rebounded from its surprise defeat to Donald with a thumping 18.17 (125) to 4.5 (29) victory over St Arnaud.
The Tigers dominated until three-quarter time, kicking 16 goals to one, before taking their foot off the gas in the final term.
Former Adelaide Crow Joshua Jenkins slotted eight goals in his first game since round 13.
Meanwhile, Saints senior coach Scott Driscoll has been reappointed for the 2025 season.
DONALD VS CHARLTON
Donald has found its winning formula, taking its win streak to three games.
While never in much doubt, the 15.13 (103) to 7.3 (45) victory against Charlton confirmed their spot in the finals.
Noah Berry continued his fantastic form, slotting a senior career-high seven majors.