Gippsland: Moe chasing their first premiership since 1967

The countdown to the Gippsland league finals is heating up with Moe among the main contenders for flag glory. See the latest.

Moe’s chances of breaking a 56-year flag drought have been boosted with a second win this season over reigning Gippsland league premiers Leongatha.

The Lions’ last premiership in 1967 trails only Port Fairy’s most recent flag nine years earlier as the longest drought in major league country football in the state.

But Moe will head into finals next month with confidence levels sky high after taking down Leongatha for a second time.

Moe's Harrison Pepper celebrates one of his four goals against Leongatha on Saturday. Picture: Daniel Heathcote

Its round 7 win put a stop to Leongatha’s 34-match unbeaten run dating back to early 2021.

Moe coach Declan Kielty played a starring role across halfback in the latest win by 22 points with his match highlighted by 10 marks and numerous spoils of his direct opponent, former Essendon draftee Noah Gown.

“Obviously with them being the premiers last year it is a bit of a confidence boost,” Kielty said.

“But it was a tough game and could have gone either way.

“To Leongatha’s credit it was super hot in the first half.

“Even though the premiership is the ultimate goal it’s good that the club is in a good position.”

“Ten years ago we were really bad.”

Scott van Dyk, Riley Baldi and Ben Daniher were also instrumental in the Moe victory.

Leongatha's Aaron Heppell charges away from his Moe opponent on Saturday. Picture: Daniel Heathcote

Leongatha suffered a blow in the first half when Jack Hume limped from the ground with a knee injury and the Parrots fear his season could be over.

Moe should retain second spot with matches against out of contention Maffra and Drouin in the last two rounds before finals.

It is expected to regain ruckman Chris Prowse from a serious wrist injury for an expected rematch with Leongatha in the qualifying final.

Wonthaggi is almost certain to finish on top of the ladder to be also perfectly placed for a tilt at the premiership.

Its next opponent is Traralgon, which is coming off a shock loss at home to Bairnsdale.

Bairnsdale stormed home in the final quarter to register its best win of the season by six points.

The Redlegs haven’t beaten Traralgon on its home ground since 1983 when they finished on top of the ladder before crashing out of finals in straight sets.

Two years earlier Bairnsdale won its only Gippsland league premiership.

Bottom team Drouin recorded its second win of the season with a 13-point victory despite its opponent, Maffra, kicking 10 goals in the first quarter.