A HEAD count has helped propel Tallangatta into the second week of the finals.
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Trailing 2.6 to 1.3 at quarter-time, the Hoppers asked the umpires for a count as players lined up at the first bounce of the second term at Sandy Creek.
Mitta United’s score was then wiped which infuriated sections of the Mitta United crowd.
Tallangatta went on to win a fiery elimination final by 20 points.
Only two points separated the sides at the final change before two goals in five minutes from Hopper star Tom Johnson broke Mitta United’s spirit.
Andrew Dear bobbed up at crucial stages to kick three goals with Joel O’Connell and Levi Freeman also prominent.
Mitta United ruckman Josh Dicketts was a stand-out.
He dragged down mark after mark and was instrumental in the Blues still being in the match with 15 minutes remaining.
Hopper dangerman Kaine Parsons was carried off the ground in the third term but returned to play out the final stanza.
A stunning display of goalkicking helped Barnawartha to a thrilling four-point win over Thurgoona in the qualifying final at Sandy Creek on Saturday.
The Tigers were deadly in front of goal, kicking 17.2 (104) to 14.16 (100) to earn a shot at minor premier Kiewa-Sandy Creek.
Coach Peter Cook, who himself kicked five goals, gave credit to his side’s midfield.
“We delivered the footy into the forward line in really good positions,” Cook said.
“We kicked a couple on the run but most came from set shots.
“We have had games this season where we haven’t converted well at all so it was pleasing to turn that around on Saturday.
“There was no wind at all either, it was probably the stillest day I can remember at Sandy Creek.”
Barnawartha set up the win in the opening quarter with eight goals to one with Tom Anson, Matt and Brad Dalbosco, Matt McLinden and Seamus Quinn on fire.
McLinden played on Jayden Kotzur with the Bulldog co-coach kicking three goals.
Thurgoona gradually worked its way back into the contest through Aydan Brown’s presence in attack and his brother Kade’s class across half-back.
Aydan finished with a game-high seven goals.
“They came back at us hard which we knew was going to happen,” Cook said.
“It was great to hang on after being challenged.
“We had a good spread of contributors.”
Thurgoona were without Michael Rampal and Sam Cross.
