Orbost Snowy Rovers have caused one of the upsets of the season, clinically dispatching premiership contender, Wy Yung by five goals in round nine of the East Gippsland Football Netball League at Lochiel Park last Saturday.
It ended a 13 game losing streak for Orbost against Wy Yung, dating back to 2017.
Expected to be a definite finals contender and possible premiership chance, the Blues haven’t lived up to the hype with some indifferent form in the opening rounds of 2025, but it all came together on Saturday in the second quarter, when they kicked eight goals to four, to open up a handy 17-point advantage at half time.
Earlier the Tigers had chances to make an early impact, but poor kicking for goal, saw them lead by eight points at quarter time, when they worked hard enough to probably have a greater advantage.
With the wind in its sails and sniffing an upset, Orbost went for strength to strength in the second half, maintaining possession and draining the vein when the opportunity arose to great effect.
Both sides had a pivotal forward, Hamish Nettleton playing his best game for the season for the Blues, finishing with four goals, while at the other end, Brodie Anderson put in his best performance since returning from a cricket sabbatical in England early last winter, kicking seven goals, but it wasn’t enough to get his side across the line.
The third term was an arm wrestle, with both sides launching plenty of attacks of half-back, the Blues more clinical and methodical, while the Tigers were keen to slingshot, which has held them in great stead in recent seasons.
The sides slotting a couple of majors each, to maintain the 17-point status quo with 30 minutes to play.
An early goal to Wy Yung, Anderson’s seventh, gave the Tigers a sniff, but the Blues weren’t for the beating, replying quickly with two of their own, before holding off a determined Tiger side that didn’t die wondering.
A late Orbost major extended the final margin to five goals, the Blues delighted to be back on the winners list, their finals hope alive with a slight pulse and plenty of work to be done.
They trail fourth-placed Boisdale-Briagolong by two games and considerable percentage, though that could get a boost this week.
Jacob Kane and Hamish Nettleton led the way for Orbost, well supported by young Andrew Robinson in his most impressive senior appearance, while Charles Mein, William Walker and another youngster Thomas Macalister were impressive four quarter performers.
Among the best for the Tigers were Anderson, Jack Halabut, skipper Jock Overend, Nathan Dennison, Bradley Daniel and Bayden Ashwood.
Orbost Snowy Rovers will hit the road this week, heading to AJ Freeman Reserve in Paynesville to tackle the struggling Gulls.
