Sunraysia football: Mildura wins in Anthony Matthews 250th game

The Demons were intent on honouring Anthony Matthews in his 250th senior game – but they had to survive a Sunraysia football thriller. Plus, the round’s top players.

Mildura's Anthony Matthews contests a ball up inside forward 50 against Ouyen United in the Sunraysia league. Picture: Michael DiFabrizio

Mildura had not one but two milestones they were marking during Saturday’s home game against Ouyen United.

Veteran and co-coach Anthony Matthews was playing his 250th Sunraysia league match for the club, while Dylan Murphy was in his 100th.

When the Demons went into the three-quarter time huddle up by 41 points, 12.8 (80) to 5.9 (39), all appeared to be on track.

That was until the ever-dangerous Kangas came out with six unanswered goals.

With about four minutes left, Jack Bower finally broke Mildura’s dry spell with a goal that secured a six-point win, 13.10 (88) to 11.16 (82).

Matthews was full of praise for the team effort.

Reflecting on his journey with the club dating back three decades to when he was in Auskick, Matthews said the milestone was a massive honour.

“Mildura footy club has been a huge part of my life and to try and repay them in some way – obviously with coaching now and trying to develop the team – it’s quite rewarding,” he said.

The win ensured the Demons remain very much part of the finals conversation.

A drop in form by fourth-placed South Mildura means both Wentworth and Mildura, in fifth and sixth respectively, now have a superior percentage the Bulldogs.

“We just want to keep improving,” Matthews said. “If we can do that the results will look after themselves.”

Here are Sunraysia football’s standout players from round 10.

Carmelo Lando (Mildura)

Taking on more midfield responsibilities this season has meant Carmelo Lando has had a different kind of impact.

The experienced Demon is starting on ball and then rolling forward, a role he played perfectly against the Kangas, finishing with four goals.

“He’s moved into more of a midfield role instead of being that permanent small forward,” Matthews said.

“He really gets us going if he can get his hands on it, he’s a clean user of the footy.”

Ben Christodoulou impressed in his first game back from a knee injury, while Mildura welcomed back a former junior in Marcus Healy, who may prove to be a very handy addition.

Matthews, who booted four goals in his milestone match, said young player Noah Hills also acquitted himself well in his first midfield start.

Nick Cottrell (Wentworth)

Earlier in the season he was Wentworth’s rock in defence, but injuries have prompted coach Wade Hancock to send Nick Cottrell forward.

Turns out, no matter where you put him, he’ll find a way to impact the game.

Hancock said there wasn’t much Cottrell can’t do.

“He’s just that tall that gives us an option every time,” Hancock said.

“He’s brilliant in the air and he’s just as good on the ground – he’s quite exciting.”

Cottrell kicked three goals in a 55-point away win over Red Cliffs, which Hancock described as perhaps his team’s first consistent four-quarter effort.

He was impressed with the Roos’ maturity in their response to the Tigers having a burst of goals at the start of the fourth quarter.

Bailey Sowter (Merbein)

Merbein had a “workmanlike” 41-point win after being challenged early by Robinvale Euston, according to co-coach Pat Irwin.

Only two points separated the sides at quarter time but the Magpies gradually pulled away.

It was a game where the “little moments” added up, Irwin said.

Among those going to work was Bailey Sowter, who arrived at the club last year and was a “no-nonsense footballer”.

“He plays a few different roles, he plays off a wing and a half back, goes through the midfield as well, he really loves to run and carry with the footy,” Irwin said.

Merbein maintained top spot on the ladder with the win but the focus of celebrations were on the popular Michael Harradine, who played his 100th club game.

Nick Pezzaniti (Irymple)

The 11-goal haul of Swallows goal sneak Nick Pezzaniti was one of the standout country footy performances of the weekend.

Against a fellow top four side in South Mildura – who appear to have hit a substantial rough patch in the past fortnight – Pezzaniti didn’t waste the opportunity to entertain fans upon the league’s return to Victorian venues.

Pezzaniti now holds a clear lead in the league’s goal kicking count with 34, which is nine more than next best Matthew Min of the Bulldogs.

Irymple blew South away with a 119-point victory that saw them move up to second spot on the ladder.

Imperials, now four points behind in third after having their second bye, host the Swallows in a blockbuster at Brian Weightman Oval next week.

Dallas Willsmore (Ouyen United)

It wasn’t to be the Kangas’ day once again, the Mallee powerhouse succumbing to their sixth loss of 2021 from their first seven starts, something no one would have predicted.

But not for the first time it was a loss that went right down to the wire.

Ouyen United's Mark Jamar entangled in a ruck contest against Mildura in the Sunraysia league. Picture: Michael DiFabrizio

Former Hawthorn AFL player Dallas Willsmore worked hard, showing his class in the midfield.

James Morrish was another key contributor, booting four goals.

Tyler Tyers (Wentworth)

The most promising aspect of Wentworth’s win may have been the rising stars that were on show.

Tyler Tyers was playing just his second senior game.

“He’s just got a natural footy brain,” Hancock said.

“His running patterns, the positions he gets himself in, it’s really impressive – he’s a bit of a diamond in the rough, I think we’ve found something special.”

But it didn’t stop there.

Hancock said debutants Jack Gates and Raghi Warren, as well as another emerging player in Rory Hooper, were all standouts.

Jimmy Kennedy (Merbein)

Persistence paid off for Jimmy Kennedy, who kicked three exciting goals in the Magpies’ win.

Kennedy is having a strong season playing a variety of roles and against the Eagles he spent time on the wing, on the ball and at half forward, where he added to the highlight reel.

“I think in the opening 10 minutes he got caught holding the ball a couple of times,” Irwin said.

“Sometimes people can go into their shell when something like that happens early, but he just stayed true to himself and worked hard and took the game on.”

Mitchell Christensen (Irymple)

There’s a new wave of talent emerging at Henshilwood Oval and Mitchell Christensen appears to be a prominent part of it.

The young tall has had an impressive fortnight, playing well against Wentworth last week before again appearing in the best in the big win over South Mildura.

He kicked two goals and was far from the only emerging player to have an impact.

Connor Mensch and Paddy Power again performed, while Mitchell Roads booted four.

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