Gippsland: Goal after siren forces draw between Bairnsdale and Maffra

Bairnsdale was chasing a first up win after a big summer on the recruiting trail, but had to settle for a draw.

Maffra first gamer Nathan Pollard booted a goal after the siren against Bairnsdale to force a miraculous draw in the Gippsland league on Saturday.

Home team Bairnsdale led by five goals with less than 10 minutes to play in the twilight opening round match before Pollard denied it victory with a straight kick from 40 metres out.

Due to the later starting time, Pollard had been to the match involving his former club, Lindenow South, for the unfurling of the flag it won with him as coach in the Omeo and District league last year.

Lindenow South 2022 premiership coach Nathan Pollard, left, and Omeo and District league president Ray Gallagher on Saturday. Picture: Rod Twining

It was only the second time Maffra had featured in a drawn game in the Gippsland league with the last time being in 1963 against Yallourn.

It was also only the second draw in an opening-round game in the league’s history with Warragul and Trafalgar unable to be separated in round one in 1965.

The draw denied Bairnsdale its first win against Maffra since 2014 and a dream start following an off-season recruiting blitz.

Bairnsdale coach, Logan Austin, attempts to tackle Maffra forward John Butcher. Picture: Bairnsdale Advertiser

Former Sydney utility Xavier Richards kicked three goals on debut.

Leongatha started its flag defence with a 37-point win away against Traralgon, a team touted as one of the main premiership fancies this year.

Leongatha recovered from a slow start to slam on seven goals in the second term with debutant Jenson Garnham booting four of his five goals before halftime.

He was recruited from Inverloch-Kongwak and played most of last year with Gippsland Power.

Key forward Kristian Jaksch booted five goals for Moe in his first match since 2021 in the Lions’ 36-point win against Morwell.

Wonthaggi beat Sale by 14 points and Warragul held on for a three-point win against near neighbour Drouin in the western derby.

Cooper Alger, who was seriously injured in a workplace accident last year, made a successful playing return and kicked a goal for Warragul with ruckman Sam Whibley best-on-ground.