Sport
31 August, 2023
Masters have tough encounter against Crocs
A fiercely motivated Moorabool Valley team overwhelmed Maryborough in their AFL Masters Country Victoria football match in Meredith. Celebrating several player milestones — including 150 games for club stalwart Michael Rooney — the Crocs swamped...
A fiercely motivated Moorabool Valley team overwhelmed Maryborough in their AFL Masters Country Victoria football match in Meredith.
Celebrating several player milestones — including 150 games for club stalwart Michael Rooney — the Crocs swamped the undermanned Pumas, winning 12.19 (91) to 4.4 (28) on Sunday.
The injury-hit Pumas started promisingly enough but started to flag under pressure as the home team started finding its range in front of goal.
Maryborough AFL Masters president Travis Cain described the afternoon as a frustrating one for the visitors.
“We had quite a few players unavailable, including quite a few who were out injured, and that is frustrating,” he said.
“It is a long season and some of that may have taken its toll. The guys who took the field for us did a fantastic job under the circumstances.”
Kicking against the wind in the opening term, Maryborough’s backline withstood an early barrage from the Crocs.
Meanwhile, debutant Patrick Clancy kicked a monster goal from outside the 50 metre arc to keep the Pumas in touch.
However, a season-ending leg injury to Matthew Mizzi, who had been a keystone of the Pumas’ defence, clearly rattled the visitors.
Patrick Clancy, Scott Newitt and Andrew Hughes were among Maryborough’s best, while Matt Battson (one goal) and Lyndon Tait battled hard for the Pumas.
Two of Maryborough’s goals were kicked by volunteers from Moorabool Valley who switched jerseys to even the number of players for each team.
The Pumas will play their final match of the 2023 season against Echuca-Moama on September 10 in Maryborough.