North Central, Tallangatta & District: Nullawil keeps finals chances alive with big scalp

Nullawil might still live up to the huge pre-season expectations on the club after making the grand final in its first year in a new league.

Nullawil reignited its finals chances in the North Central league with a 22-point win against third-placed Donald on Saturday.

After playing off in the grand final in its debut season, Nullawil has performed below expectations in the first half of 2024.

It needed a big scalp and came from behind at three quarter time to outscore Donald five goals to one in the final term.

Star recruit Matthew Wade was best-on-ground in his first match in a month after recovering from a hamstring injury and ruckman Dean Putt was back after an even longer injury-related absence.

Nullawil ruckman Dean Putt starred in his return from injury. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Putt took the honours against in-form Donald ruckman Andrew Browne and Adam Thomson also had his most productive day up forward this season with five goals for Nullawil.

Nullawil is two points behind fourth-placed Wedderburn which thrashed Charlton by 87 points.

Sea Lake-Nandaly demolished sixth-placed Wycheproof-Narraport by 81 points without star forward Josh Jenkins.

Birchip-Watchem star forward Ben Edwards kicked 10 goals in the Bulls’ 139-point trouncing of St Arnaud.

OVENS & MURRAY

Albury shored up its presence inside the top five with a 37-point win against Lavington in a crucial mid-season encounter.

The Tigers dominated after halftime with Mat Walker booting six goals, midfielder Fletcher Carroll starring with more than 40 possessions, Isaac Muller dominating in the ruck and co-coach Shan Daly making a surprise comeback after more than a season in retirement.

Lavington beat Albury earlier this season, but lost its grip on the match when it conceded the last two goals before halftime before being outscored seven goals to three in the second half.

Albury’s Mat Walker kicked six goals against Lavington. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Albury moved up to fourth ahead of Wangaratta which beat Wodonga by seven points with veteran forward Michael Newton kicking a crucial goal late to give the Magpies back the lead.

Newton finished with four goals and Nick Richards, the older brother of Collingwood player Joe, collected 28 possessions after star player Callum Moore was a late omission.

Lavington is two wins behind Wangaratta with a tough run of matches starting with an away trip to Myrtleford.

Albury last missed finals in 2008 before becoming a competition powerhouse.

Former AFL star Eddie Betts kicked five goals in a best-on-ground performance for Wangaratta Rovers in a 74-point thrashing of Wodonga Raiders.

Eddie Betts has still got it 😍

The former AFL superstar claims another pocket playing for the Wangaratta Rovers!

(via: @eddiebthe3rd / Instagram) pic.twitter.com/CtOvOhpVTo

— AFL (@AFL) July 7, 2024

TALLANGATTA DISTRICT

Yackandandah has moved to top spot on the ladder with an impressive 38-point win against fellow flag contender Beechworth.

After failing to kick a goal in the opening term and trailing by 22 points at quarter time, Yackandandah responded with seven goals in the second term to take a halftime lead.

The midfield momentum flipped with Casey George, Sam McKenzie and Johann Jarratt dominating for Yackandandah, which bowed out in last year’s preliminary final to eventual premier Chiltern.

Yackandandah co-coach Darren Holmes, Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Forward Nick Donaghey was the beneficiary of the midfield ascendancy to finish with five goals.

It was Yackandandah’s second win against Beechworth this season with other wins over other contenders Chiltern and Kiewa Sandy-Creek.

Barnawartha forward Jack Chesser booted 18 goals against bottom team Dederang-Mt Beauty.