ROSS Tungatalum could be a smokey for the Doug Strang Medal after another eight-goal haul for the Wodonga Raiders.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tungatalum jumped to fourth in the goalkicking race — eight behind leader Brendan Fevola — after single-handedly lifting the Raiders to an 18-point win over Myrtleford at the McNamara Reserve.
The come-from-behind win over the Alpine Saints was the Raiders’ seventh win of the season and kept alive their hopes of finishing in the top three.
But Daryn Cresswell’s men again had to find an extra gear in the last quarter to win the match.
The Saints were dealt a blow pre-match with inspirational co-coach Brad Murray withdrawing because of a groin strain.
But Myrtleford didn’t miss a beat in his absence, with the returning Kristan Height leading the midfield charge.
The Morris medallist had great support from ruckman Matt Dussin and the pint-sized Nathan Cossignani — their team booting 5.2 to lead by 20 points at quarter time.
Raiders prime-movers Steven Jolliffe, Ethan Boxall and Brock Knights kept their team in the match, reducing the deficit to 11 points at the long break.
The Raiders lacked avenues to goal, but Tungatalum saved the day.
His opponent Billy Williams didn’t do a lot wrong, but the livewire only needs half a chance to inflict considerable damage.
By three quarter-time Tungatalum had helped the Raiders level the scores and the visitors looked like running over the top of the Saints.
The Saints could smell an upset after Andrew Hodder and Brody Ricardi booted the first two goals of the last quarter.
But Tungatalum was having none of that.
It was a special win for Raiders captain Jack Di Mizio. He celebrated his 100th game, with the match ball presented by Myrtle- ford president Michael Quirk.