BROCKLESBY-Burrumbuttock overcame late withdrawals and a spate of injuries to run over Howlong by 27 points in the Hume league at Brocklesby on Saturday.
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Despite losing Dean Murphy, Liam Johnson and Nico Sedgwick late in the week and Jarrod Hillary and Joel Hartley to injury in the opening term, the Saints rallied to score arguably their best win of the season.
The victory elevated Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock to top spot on the ladder with three rounds remaining.
Co-coach Luke Brauer, who played out the match with a potentially serious hand injury, said it was a character building win.
“We’re really stoked,” Brauer said.
“It was going to be our strongest side but we had Dean, Liam and Nico pull out on Friday and they are probably three of our top five players.
“The boys really stepped up
“I thought our back-line in particular was super; it was the best I have seen them play all year.
“Howlong is a great side though and I’m sure we will come across them again in the finals at some stage.
”It’s a really tight competition.”
Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock trailed by three points at half-time and, with only one fit player on the bench, looked under the pump.
But the Saints unleashed a brilliant third term, kicking 6.5 to 2.2, to set up a memorable victory.
Robbie Norris held Josh Dicketts to three goals, Chris Taylor was strong across half-forward, Aaron Livermore continued his fine run of form with three majors and Darcy I’Anson bobbed up with plenty of crucial touches.
Howlong ruckman Peter Hancock played another blinder.
He was effective in the air and on the ground and looks a genuine chance of collecting a second Azzi medal.
Brad Fyffe, Chris Van Zanten and Josh Baggio also played well.
Henty accounted for a lacklustre Rand-Walbundrie by 113 points at Henty.
The Swampies blew away their opponents with a brilliant first quarter with Jared Farwell, Heath Ohlin and Matt Liddle in the thick of the action.
Simon Hillier, Andrew Yates and Shannon Terlich also played key roles.
Rand-Walbundrie’s best were Tim Gray and Aaron Gordon.
Culcairn defeated Billabong Crows for the second time this season.
The Lions led from start to finish with Luke Taylor, Matt Hensel, Shaun Turvey and Nathaniel Stroh starring.
Thomas Hofert, Nick Morris and James Hayes toiled for the visitors.
Osborne, Walla and CDHBU had the bye.