Outer East FN: Walk-in recruit ignites Yea to victory over Powelltown

A surprise recruit has triggered a Yea goal-burst as the Tigers put their season back on track in Outer East Division 1. And a Warburton-Millgrove forward put on a show.

Yea had a strong win over Powelltown.

Yea turned up the volume against Powelltown on Saturday.

A sizzling seven-goal third quarter helped the Tigers turn a half-time deficit of nine points into a 50-point victory, 16.13 (109) to 9.5 (59).

At the heart of the onslaught was Zain Neicho, a surprise — and very welcome — addition to the Tigers this season.

“He was unreal...he just came along because his brother in law is playing with us, Pat Magoga,’’ Yea coach Mitch Skelly said.

“He started in the twos and got best on ground twice... moved into the ones, and he’s been named in the best two out of the four games he’s played in the senior team.

“He plays across half forward, covers a lot of ground, does a lot of pressure work and hits the scoreboard as well, yeah, he’s having a great year.”

Healesville recruit Zac Fawdry was also influential for Yea, playing his best game for the club.

Tigers vice-captain Jack Christie also proved crucial in the victory. After switching from midfield to half-back this season, he’s visibly growing more comfortable and effective in his new defensive role.

Corbin Sutherland was back for Yea. Picture: Leesa Clarkson

Yea also looked better with champion Corbin Sutherland (three goals) up forward. He’d missed a month of footy.

Blake Seeley, Ben Sandells and South Morang recruit Madison Bell were also among the Tigers’ best.

After a frustrating run of competitive losses, Yea savoured Saturday’s win.

“It was reward for hard work,’’ Skelly said.

“We’ve been in a lot of games this year and we’ve lost close games, against Belgrave and Yarra Glen, and even Warburton and Pakenham we were in those games at three quarter time.

“We were behind at half time (on Saturday) and it was nice to have a big third quarter and run over the top.’’

Despite a challenging 2-6 start, Yea remains optimistic after narrowly missing finals last season.

“We’ve set higher expectations,” Skelly said, hoping for a strong second-half surge.

After the game, the newly struck Trevor Barker Medal was presented to the best player on the ground — Powelly champion Ben Wratten. The medal was in honour of Yea and Powelltown premiership player Trevor Barker, who died in April.

BAG OF 10 FOR BURRA

A red-hot Bailey Humphrey fired off 10 goals as Warburton Millgrove put the whip to Yarra Glen, 19.19 (133) to 6.6 (42). Humphrey has kicked 17 goals in the past two games, and the Burras have surged to top spot following Seville’s 29-point loss to Pakenham. Thomas Marr, Nelson Aldridge, Patrick Huynh, Thomas Baker and Jack Lee also fuelled Warby’s best win of the season.

LIONS ROAR

Pakenham found inspiration from Bailey Stiles, Tanner Stanton, Jaiden Camenzuli and Lochlan Menzel as it edged Seville 12.7 (79) to 7.8 (50). It was Seville’s first loss of the season.

RAZOR-SHARP REBELS

Alexandra held off a fast-finishing Belgrave to win 18.7 (115) to 15.9 (99). With Will Stewart slotting eight goals and Josh Edwards seven, the Rebels rushed to a 41-point lead at the last change before Belgrave got going with six goals in the final term.