Few could have expected as close a contest as was witnessed at Benalla Showgrounds on Saturday.
While Mooroopna was busy manufacturing the Goulburn Valley League upset of the season, Benalla was quietly taking it up to third-placed Euroa in the final round of the campaign to come agonisingly close to a heroic win of their own.
Flying out of the blocks on Saturday, the Saints kicked five goals to Euroa’s three in the first term, before just edging out the Magpies in the second to carry a two-goal lead into the half.
Bolstered by the returning Tom Downie, who lined up alongside Jarrad Waite in the forward line, it was clear for all to see the impact the Saints’ big men have on Benalla’s attacking set-up.
The Saints won out in the forward 50 marks category with 15 to Euroa’s 13, with Waite collecting a hefty six, while Downie grabbed three of his own.
Contested marks and possessions was also where the two dominated.
Downie notched a game-high 17 contested possessions, and Waite 13, to help Benalla clean up in this category with 127 to Euroa’s 123.
It comes as no surprise to discover that Downie and Waite were the stars in front of the big sticks on Saturday, with Waite booting five and Downie two to leave their mark where it matters most.
When Downie wasn’t forward of the ball, he was called upon to pinch-hit in the ruck, and collected 13 hitouts, nine groundball gets and five clearances to round a dominant performance.
At a glance
Tom Downie v Euroa, round 18
Disposals: 25
Contested possessions: 17
Marks: 11
Contested marks: 7
Intercept marks: 3
Forward 50 marks: 3