THEY cut it close, but Mitta has secured fifth spot, and the finals berth that comes with it, with a thrilling 11-point win over Dederang-Mt Beauty.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Injury-riddled for the last few weeks, a loss would have sent the Mountain Men out of the finals picture in ignominious fashion.
They got a few soldiers back for this one though, and with the season on the line the didn’t disappoint.
Josh Dicketts, Joel Wilson, Kyle Maynard and Sam Gorupic all returned to face the Bombers, and their presence was keenly felt.
Mitta jumped out of the blocks in slippery conditions, booting the first three goals of the match in a one-sided first quarter.
The visitors bounced back in the second term, booting three goals to two – well within striking distance at half time.
The second half was a real arm wrestle.
Both teams booted three majors in the third quarter before the wet conditions took their toll in the final quarter, a Mitta behind the only score registered in the final stanza.
The 8.6.54 to 6.7.43 victory, Mitta’s 11th for the season, sets up an elimination final against Tallangatta.
Coach Mark Dicketts said his side had done well to battle through a tough year.
“We’ve probably had a fairly unsettled year when you look at some of the injuries,” he said.
“It’s been hard to get our main team out on the ground.
“We got a few back (on Saturday), but it’s probably not idea to be leading into finals with changes happening fairly regularly.
“That said, we needed a win or the season was going to be over.”
Dicketts said their fast start had likely won Mitta the game.
“It was always going to be a slog, so to get a quick start and early break was worth a lot more than three goals,” he said.
“It was a positive start and made it difficult for them to come back.
“You have to give (the Bombers) a lot of credit though, they didn’t throw in the towel and gave us a scare late.”
Jackson Ellis’ three-goal effort was crucial, while Drew Cameron also slotted three majors.
Jack Gilbee and Jye Hodgkin were also crucial in the win, while Dederang-Mt beauty were well served by Andrew Hill and Joshua Kable.
Elsewhere, Barnawartha defeated Rutherglen 93-30, led by three goals each to Mitch Exton and Peter Cook.
Thurgoona trounced Yackandandah, their 118-point win paced by eight goals from Jayden Kotzur.
Tallangatta were big winners over Chiltern, Kiewa-Sandy Creek thumped Wahgunyah and Beechworth were too good for the Wodonga Saints.
