Wy Yung overcame a determined Stratford by just six points in round six of the East Gippsland Football Netball League (EGFNL) at Boyd Reserve last Saturday.
The game was tied at three-quarter time, with the Tigers kicking six extra behinds in the final term to secure the narrow victory.
After Tim Daniel goaled in time-on, Wy Yung skipped to a 12-point advantage. However, when Ben Dekkers kicked his seventh major of the afternoon, the Tigers had to desperately hold off the determined Swans for a couple of tense minutes.
Swans coach Nathan Pollard suffered a hand injury early in the match but bravely played on, setting an outstanding example for his side.
Wy Yung dominated play in the second half, going inside 50 on 19 more occasions than their opponents. However, they were unable to translate that dominance into scoreboard pressure due to poor conversion and an inability to hit targets.
Jett Murphy was outstanding in the middle for the winners, well supported by Jovi Kellow, Jack Hodson, Jet Kellow, Harry Kellow (four goals), Jonah Linford and Max Rowe.
Tigers stalwart Andrew Thomson played his 250th senior game for the club, while youngster Jonah Linford suited up for his first appearance at senior level, fresh from playing thirds football for Maffra.
One of Linford’s Eagles teammates, Jack Halligan, was outstanding for the Swans. He was well supported by the Dekkers brothers (Sam and Ben), Cooper Dixon, Zane Perkins, and Max Lazzaro, who has been a consistent addition since crossing from Sale.
Wy Yung coach Brodie Anderson was delighted to bank another four points, marking the Tigers’ third consecutive victory.
“It was pleasing to get another win against a persistent opponent. Obviously, we have players to come back into the mix, but we need to keep winning games to stay in the hunt,” Anderson said.
The Tigers will host Orbost Snowy Rovers this week in the EGFNL match of the round, with Anderson looking forward to another challenging contest.
“They have been ticking along nicely. They are like us — they still have some handy players to come back into the line-up. I’m looking forward to seeing how we match up against them,” Anderson said.
