The Omeo District Football Netball League season is shaping as a tight contest after Bruthen claimed a hard-fought three-point win over Swifts Creek in a high-quality High Country encounter.
Both teams were undermanned, with Swifts Creek missing Andrew Sandy, Zac Tactor and Dylan Hack, while Bruthen was without Jirra Moffat and Mitchell Clague. Former Wy Yung player Marcus Savage added depth for the Bulldogs in attack.
Swifts Creek started strongly to lead by 14 points at quarter time, but Bruthen responded with a disciplined second term, holding the home side scoreless while piling on pressure through defence led by Will Matthews, Lukas Lakey and Nat Griffiths. The visitors took a 13-point lead into half time.
Swifts Creek hit back through its midfield, with Jordan Hack (three goals) and Conor Harvey (four) dangerous forward of centre. Bruthen, however, remained efficient in attack, with Richard Harrison (two) and Ethan Hubbard providing key targets, while Harley Kenner (three) and Jan Cabaybay (two) added crucial goals.
The third quarter developed into an arm wrestle as both sides traded goals, with Beau Hack and Brodie Cameron prominent for Swifts Creek, and Dylan Somerville and Nicholas Ward leading Bruthen’s response. Jake Keown continued his strong ruck form.
Bruthen led by seven points at three-quarter time and withstood sustained pressure in the final term. A late goal to Swifts Creek recruit Andrew Hatch reduced the margin to three points at the final siren.
Despite the narrow defeat, Swifts Creek showed strong signs and remain firmly in the premiership mix.
Ward was best on ground for Bruthen, supported by Griffiths, Hasler, Lakey, Matthews, Keown and Rhys Kennedy. Swifts Creek’s best included Beau Hack, Mitchell, Cameron, Bittner, Robbie, Lavery and Hayes.
Bruthen’s defence again impressed with its rebound efficiency under pressure.
