In a match-up that seemed promising early, Benalla was ultimately overrun by a dominant Mooroopna side, resulting in a 10.8 (68) to 17.12 (114) defeat at Benalla Showgrounds.
The game, part of round 12 in the Goulburn Valley Football League, showed the very best of a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ looking home team, with very contrasting efforts shown after quarter-time.
Benalla jumped out of the gates red hot, giving the home crowd a view of the Saints’ very best football, starting with an impressive 6.1 (37) in the first quarter, going into the break up four goals.
The second quarter marked a dramatic shift in momentum.
Mooroopna regrouped and launched its attack, scoring 5.3 (33) to Benalla’s mere 0.3 (3) for the quarter.
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Benalla's Campbell McCoy is put under pressure by Mooroopna players. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 2 of 9
Benalla's Jordan Wolff is tackled by Mooroopna's Ben Butts. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 3 of 9
Benalla's Jordan Wolff boots the ball out of the backline. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 4 of 9
Benalla’s Mark Marriott and Mooroopna’s Keelin Betson battle it out in the ruck. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 5 of 9
Benalla's Henry Hill and Mooroopna's Daniel Johnston fly at one another. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 6 of 9
Benalla's Ryan Storer collects the football. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 7 of 9
Benalla's Tyler McGregor tries to sell Mooroopna's Oscar Emanuelli candy. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 8 of 9
Benalla's Mark Marriott and Mooroopna's Keelin Betson played out a fascinating duel all day. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 9 of 9
Benalla's Ryan Storer hunts down Mooroopna's Jed Woods. Photo by Brenden PaddockBenalla’s defence struggled to contain Mooroopna’s forward thrusts, and by half-time, not only had the lead been lost, but the Cats hit the change rooms with a seven-point lead.
Coming out of half-time, Benalla hoped to regain its first-quarter form, but the third quarter saw a continuation of Mooroopna’s ascendancy.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Saints found themselves in a five-goal hole, on the hunt to rediscover their first-quarter form and steal the game back.
Unfortunately for the Saints, it went the other way, with the Cats able to seal their victory with a six-goal-to-two final quarter.
Coach Jarrad Waite stood out for Benalla with his five goals, while James Martiniello, Chris Welsh, Mark Marriott and Blake Uebergang rounded out the best.
This loss leaves Benalla in 10th place on the ladder, three-and-a-half wins out of a finals spot.
With six weeks to go, the Saints face a red-hot Rochester away from home in round 13.
While the defeat was heavy, the first quarter showed the potential within the Benalla squad.
Harnessing this and maintaining performance levels throughout all four quarters will be crucial as they strive to finish the season on a high note.
The Saints have talent, but the task ahead lies in translating brief flashes of brilliance into sustained success on the field.