Wodonga Raiders have all but sealed that elusive top three berth after a rollicking 29-point win over Lavington on Saturday.
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But, more importantly, the home team proved it had matured from last year’s elimination final exit after the Panthers cut the margin to a kick midway through the third term.
Raiders responded with three goals in five minutes to run away 16.10 (106) to 12.5 (77).
“We hadn’t been able to do that (respond) with our lack of experience and it was pleasing on the ground that we wrestled our way back to a four-goal lead at three-quarter time,” coach Daryn Cresswell said.
“It’s a sign of maturity and it’s a sign that we’re starting to play some tough footy.”
Raiders have been known more for their grace than grit and while their pace again worried the visitors, the defensive work was strong.
“Our ball movement was terrific and I thought our defence was great,” Cresswell said.
“I thought we got well beaten at stoppages, but we went inside 50, 52 to 30.”
Raiders’ statistics show Lavington had just one mark inside 50 in the first half, with Panthers’ defender Nick Meredith shifting forward in a move which surprised Cresswell.
“Yeah it did, I was pretty happy, I was pretty happy Adam Prior didn’t play,” Cresswell said.
The multiple Doug Strang medallist kicked two goals in the reserves.
Raiders grabbed the lead after one minute through Hayden Clarke and while Luke Garland goaled a minute later, it was the last time the teams were even.
The Panthers suffered a blow when ruckman Tim Hanna missed the second half with a facial injury, that coming on top of in-form veteran Adam Butler’s late withdrawl.
However, the comeback started when Kris Holman goaled effortlessly from around 50m and then Andrew Dess showed better judgement than Jordan Rouse.
But Raiders steadied when McCaffrey found Connor Newnham and another two majors to livewire Jarrod Ardern sealed the win.
The lightweight Ardern finished with four, running defender Matt Neagle was best on ground with 24 disposals, while profile Goulburn Valley recruit Daniel Bowles was terrific.
In his 50th game, Panther Adam Flagg was tremendous with five goals, while Nick Holman was clever.
