Travelling to Undera Recreation Reserve, Girgarre’s players and coaching staff had hope that round 12 would be the straw that broke the camel’s back and, while it didn’t start as planned, the troops rallied to escape with a slim, but vital five-point victory.
“We started the game with a bit of optimism that we could pay well, get a positive result and get some reward for some of our better form over the last few weeks,” Girgarre coach John Wilson said.
“The game didn’t pan out that way, we couldn’t get any continuity or flow in our game, Undera was the better side through three quarters.”
Despite Girgarre leading by three points at quarter-time, the Lions managed to snatch a 10-point advantage at the major break thanks to a romping second-quarter effort that included four goals.
However, the Roos weren’t going to be deterred and continued to fight through the third period, remaining within striking distance, even though the Lions pushed their lead out to 18 points.
With that consistent never-say-die attitude and a few minor adjustments, Girgarre well and truly owned the final frame.
Nailing 4.5 down the stretch in a dominant display meant that the Kangaroos were able to not just erase their three-quarter time deficit, but snatch the game at the death.
“We certainly weren’t at our best, but a few little positional changes and adjustments at three-quarter time helped us and the guys, to their credit, knuckled in and played a much better brand of footy,” Wilson said.
“We were able to lock the ball into our half for the majority of the last quarter and put some scoreboard pressure back onto them and got over the top in the end, which was nice.”
The 8.11 (59) to 8.6 (54) finish was indicative of the team’s resolve and key contributions from returning senior players.
“When you’re playing footy you don’t always have to have your best day, but when the moment comes, there’s opportunity to take the momentum and give yourself a chance to get out of trouble,” Wilson said.
“I feel like some of our guys really stood up in the moment, especially our senior players who have missed a few games controlled the way we played.
“Riley Morris had a solid game after having a few weeks off with a concussion and Charlie Lowe was instrumental in the last quarter in his second game back after having six weeks off with a foot issue.
“Billy Barnes always looks dangerous and took some nice marks and kicked a few crucial goals, Josh Mackrell in the ruck gave us first use of the ball nearly all day and did it single-handedly which was great.”
The Kangaroos will hunt for more reward in round 13 as they look to make good on this new-found form, taking on second-last placed Tallygaroopna at Girgarre Recreation Reserve.
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