Hampden: Port Fairy beats the premiers of the last two seasons, South Warrnambool

Hampden league players have worn green armbands in support of farmers doing it tough with drought. See the big upset result.

Port Fairy posted one of the biggest upsets in the Hampden league this season by downing the premiers of the last two years, South Warrnambool, on the day the competition paid tribute to the southwest’s drought-stricken farmers.

Port Fairy was sitting outside the top five heading into the match that signalled the halfway mark of the season.

But the Seagulls overcame a quarter-time deficit to take the upper hand by halftime with five goals to one in the second term.

Camperdown’s Nick Jones wins the ruck contest against Koroit’s Jake McCosh. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

A 19-point lead at the long break was extended to 38 points at the final siren.

Star midfielder Kaine Mercovich, who was grounded for six weeks with a hamstring early in the season, was best afield for Port Fairy, which also had key contributions from Jett Hopper and cousins, James and Lucas Edmonds.

The Edmonds duo combined to kick five goals and star recruit, Gary Rohan, booted one.

Port Fairy suffered a recent major injury setback with talented teenage midfielder Olly Myers ruled out for rest of the season with a knee injury.

The victory leaves Port Fairy one win and percentage outside the top five and ladder leaders North Warrnambool awaiting next round.

Camperdown’s Wilba Cheeseman takes possession against Koroit. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Koroit also stayed in the finals race with a thrilling three-point win against Camperdown.

Reigning Maskell Medal winner Liam Hoy starred for Koroit, which led by 14 points at the last change before holding on for a crucial victory.

Every club in the Hampden league on Saturday wore green armbands in support of farmers battling drought.

NORTH CENTRAL

Boort will make a return to finals this season following a 36-point win against St Arnaud and its only threat for the last finals berth, Wedderburn going down to reigning premier Sea Lake-Nandaly.

Boort is three wins clear of Wedderburn at the halfway mark of the season with Feeny Medal contender Jhye Baddeley-Kelly producing another vote-catching performance with three goals.

Wedderburn reached the preliminary final last season, but has managed only three wins in the opening eight rounds.

Sea Lake-Nandaly was bolstered by the return of former AFL pair Josh Jenkins and Oscar Brownless for their second and fourth matches respectively this season.

Jenkins booted four goals and Brownless starred in the midfield.

Reigning Feeny Medal winner Wade Donnan and co-coach Billy McInnes also starred in the Sea Lake-Nandaly victory.

Sea Lake-Nandaly co-coach Billy McInnes. Picture: Blake Lee

Fellow flag contenders Birchip-Watchem and Calder United ruthlessly disposed of Charlton and Donald.

Charlton managed only one goal against the Bulls and Donald fared worse with only a behind against the Lions in more lopsided results in the league.

Midfielders Nic Rippom and Ben Lakin ran amok for Birchip-Watchem, which won by 137 points.

Inaccurate kicking denied Calder United an even bigger win against Donald.

The Lions booted 23.29 with forward Jack Exell booting eight goals after kicking 10 and nine in the previous two rounds.

Calder United plays Sea Lake-Nandaly next round and must win to be any chance of finishing in second spot with a double chance in finals.

OMEO DISTRICT

Swan Reach has cemented top spot with a 13-point win against Omeo-Benambra to reverse the result of the match between the two teams that was called off early in the season by the umpires due to poor player behaviour.

Swan Reach led Omeo-Benambra by nine points at three quarter time before a final term shootout took place with Swan Reach slamming on seven goals and Omeo-Benambra six.

The result left Swan Reach two matches clear on top of the ladder ahead of Bruthen and Omeo-Benambra with Buchan upsetting Bruthen by two points to hold fourth.

Harley Whelan, who didn’t play when Swan Reach and Omeo-Benambra last met, booted six goals for Swan Reach and Dylan Bryant, Alex Saunders and Peter Ritchie all played starring roles.

Cody Graske booted seven goals for Omeo-Benambra.

Originally published as Hampden: Port Fairy beats the premiers of the last two seasons, South Warrnambool