It was another result that Benalla will be disappointed with, but the fourth-quarter efforts from the Saints can give them some real hope heading into next week’s game against Mansfield.
At three-quarter-time on the road against Shepparton United, the Saints trailed by 65 points. Result-wise, the game seemed over with not much to play for, but the spirit shown by Jarrad Waite’s men was impressive.
Down by almost 11 goals, it was the Saints that went on to win the fourth quarter, 5.3.33 to Shepparton United’s 1.1.7. Their ability to win clearance and link by hand enabled them to do so. At the end of the third term Shepparton United was +32 on the handball count, while the clearance numbers were a dead heat at 29 apiece.
The Saints were able to apply some scoreboard pressure directly by changing the look of these categories. In the fourth quarter, the Saints were able to hit back.
Benalla v United - fourth quarter stats
Disposals
Benalla: 87
United: 94
Clearances
Benalla: 15
United: 8
Inside 50s
Benalla: 14
United: 8
Goals
Benalla: 5
United: 1
Benalla won an impressive 15 clearances to the Demons eight, and while losing the overall disposal tally 94-87, the Saints went +17 on the handball count.
The changes seemed to be working a treat; win the hit-out, link by hand in close quarters, take advantage of the wind long down the line. Benalla kept exiting centre stoppage from the front late in the game, leaving the Demons backline with little to no options.
Saints star Wade King led the fourth quarter charge in the middle, winning an impressive four clearances, while Welsh, McGregor and Marriott were also able to add two clearances of their own.
The Saints had managed a total of just two points in three quarters from stoppages but were able to put together an impressive 3.2.20 in the final term. It was a Benalla midfield masterclass that was able to take full advantage of the breeze.
The resilience and fighting spirit shown in the last term is certainly something the team can build on, but it must make the coaching staff wonder what can happen if that sort of effort is shown over four quarters?