Gippsland: Traralgon destined for double chance after crucial win against Moe

See all the pictures from Traralgon’s big second half performance to down fellow Gippsland finals contender, Moe.

Traralgon shapes as the biggest threat to Leongatha’s push for a third successive Gippsland league flag after demolishing another top-three contender on Saturday.

The Maroons “exploded” in the second half to thrash Moe by 53 points in tough conditions with the prospect of getting even stronger before finals with the return key defender Tye Hourigan from injury.

Rather than slide down the ladder this season after the loss of some big-name personnel, Traralgon is thriving under new coach Troy Hamilton as it works through a tough month of matches.

“Second spot was up for grabs,” he said.

“Every week you are planning for what will be a tough game.

“But so far, so good.

“We lost a lot of players without a doubt, but we’ve always had good depth and always had good juniors.”

Traralgon coach Troy Hamilton. Pictures Yuri Kouzmin

Hamilton said players aged in their early to mid-20s including Connor Ambler, Jackson McMahon and Dylan Loprese had “really stepped up”.

He was also impressed with the way his up-and-coming team beat Moe at Moe’s home ground.

After an even first half, Traralgon piled on 10 goals to three with Loprese leading the way with three of his own.

“In the third quarter we just exploded,” Hamilton said.

“We had a stage where we just couldn’t miss.

“We got hot and just had one of those days.”

Moe star Riley Baldi is tackled by Traralgon’s Lucas Tripodi.

In a further bonus, former AFL player Jordan Cunico came through the match unscathed after a horror run with injury since returning to his original club.

Hourigan, one of the league’s best key defenders, succumbed to a serious ankle injury in mid-June, but will be back before finals.

“We miss him,” Hamilton said.

“But he should return after the next bye.

“It’s what made the win at the weekend that more impressive because he is critical for us.”

Traralgon’s Luis D'Angelo is brought down in a tackle against Moe.

Another important player, Chance Doultree, is due to return shortly from concussion, but Tom Hamilton’s season is over after going down with a serious knee injury in round 3.

Leongatha welcomed back star midfielder Tom Marriott from injury in its 14-point win against Wonthaggi to remain on top of the ladder, six points clear of Traralgon.

Moe, which beat Leongatha in round 11, faces a danger match next round against Bairnsdale, which moved back into the top five with a 21-point win against Maffra with Brayden McCarrey booting seven goals for the Redlegs.

Moe is only two points clear of fourth-placed Morwell and four points ahead of Bairnsdale in fifth.

Sale dropped out of the top five with a seven-point loss to Warragul.

Moe’s Jacob Balfour loses possession of the ball.

Moe’s Lachlan McGrath attempts to spoil Traralgon’s Jacob Van Iwaarden.

Moe’s Matthew Heywood dishes off a handball.

Moe’s Brock Smith marks on the lead.

Field umpire Robert Blunt was officiating in his 400th match.

Moe’s Trent Baldi is tackled by Traralgon first-year player Liam Willaton.

Traralgon’s Kade Marsh arrives late to spoil Moe’s Trent Baldi.

Moe’s Tyler Pratt is sandwiched between two Traralgon opponents.

Moe’s Riley Baldi attempts to break free of a tackle applied by Traralgon’s Lucas Tripodi.

Moe’s Ben Daniher and Ben Maslen outnumber Traralgon’s Luis D'Angelo.

Moe’s Matthew Heywood and Traralgon’s Cooper Brown battle for the ball in the mud.

Moe coach Declan Keilty.

Originally published as Gippsland: Traralgon destined for double chance after crucial win against Moe