Gippsland: Dyson Heppell stars for Leongatha in big win against Wonthaggi

Former Essendon captain Dyson Heppell has made a triumphant return for Leongatha. See what he must do to play finals for his home club.

A Dyson Heppell masterclass propelled Leongatha to a crushing 72-point win against fellow finals contender Wonthaggi in the Gippsland league on Saturday.

In his second appearance for his original club this season, the former Essendon captain starred with 34 possessions and two goals as Leongatha recovered from a slow start to outscore Wonthaggi 16.9 to 3.2 after quarter time.

Moe coach Leigh Poholke handballs off as Warragul defender Patrick Mulqueen lays a tackle. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Leongatha is the biggest threat to ladder leaders Moe and will be working overtime to find a way to ensure Heppell can play a part at the business end of the season.

Heppell needs to play two more matches in the second half of the season to qualify for finals.

Jenson Garnham also starred for Leongatha with four goals and Tallin Brill booted three in the absence of another forward, Patrick Ireland, who was on VFL duties.

Leongatha and Moe share 7-1 win-loss records after eight rounds.

Dyson Heppell gives Leongatha's third quarter the thumbs-up. The Parrots booted away from Wonthaggi with five goals to one to lead by 42 points at the last change. pic.twitter.com/PMMIhJMHLE

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Moe also trailed at quarter time of its match against Warragul, but kicked into gear with Nathan Scagliarini, Scott van Dyk and Tom Blackshaw leading the charge.

In-form forward Ben Crocker was held to two goals.

Warragul was without coach Jed Lamb who strained his quad last round.

Reigning premier Traralgon slammed on the five goals early in the final term to end any chance of an upset loss to Bairnsdale.

Moe’s Harrison Pepper breaks clear of Warragul’s Vinnie Caia. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Bairnsdale drew within three points at the last change, but Traralgon responded brilliantly to win by 14 points.

Captain Tye Hourigan and Tristen Waack starred in defence for Traralgon and Jordan Cunico was also in the best players.

SUNRAYSIA

Mildura firmed into favouritism to win its first flag in 18 years with a 37-point win against Wentworth with recruits Noah Pegoraro and Brendan Dew producing more starring roles.

Mildura moved a game clear on top of the ladder after responding to a sluggish start to overpower Wentworth after quarter time.

In the absence of injured coach Sam Kerridge, Pegoraro and Dew were prominent in the victory.

Mildura coach Sam Kerridge is on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Picture: Supplied

Pegoraro joined Mildura from West Perth and has been named in the best in six out of eight matches and Dew, who was recruited from Barossa District, has been equally as dominant.

Kerridge is due to return shortly from a hamstring injury with Mildura to take on reigning premiers Imperials next round.

Mildura is a game clear of Red Cliffs and Robinvale-Euston, which lost to Irymple by five points in a lowscoring match.

OVENS & MURRAY

Myrtleford stunned reigning premier Wangaratta Rovers with a 44-point demolition job throwing the premiership race wide open nearing the halfway mark of the season.

Myrtleford made the early running in tough conditions and led by 17 points at quarter time and extended the margin to 31 points at halftime.

The ladder-leading Rovers were restricted to only two goals for the match as Myrtleford had an edge in most areas on the ground.

Midfielder Jaxon East starred with 36 possessions, ruckmen Toby Cossar and Riley Smith dominated around the ground with some strong marks and Zac Pethybridge and Simon Curtis were impassable in defence.

Last round Myrtleford lost to Wodonga, which beat Albury by 14 points to be sitting just outside the top five on percentage.

Wodonga goal sneak Noah Spiteri booted five goals including the sealer that followed a run down tackle on Albury defender Ben Kelly late in the final quarter.

Matt Wilson was another star for Wodonga with Albury at risk of missing finals for the second successive season.

Albury’s star onballer Fletcher Carroll collected 33 possessions, but will be sorely missed in coming weeks when he heads overseas.

Lavington ended Yarrawonga’s finals hopes with a 43-point victory with key forward Tim Oosterhoff booting another five goals after kicking six on return from injury last round.

Originally published as Gippsland: Dyson Heppell stars for Leongatha in big win against Wonthaggi