Sport
28 June, 2026
Hammer blow to hopes
BEARS Lagoon Serpentine appears destined to miss the finals for the first time in 10 years after its narrow loss to Marong on Saturday.
BEARS Lagoon Serpentine appears destined to miss the finals for the first time in 10 years after its narrow loss to Marong on Saturday.
Coach Jake Wilkinson said that while it was still mathematically possible to make the top five, the priority now for the team was just winning matches, with the season’s final balance sheet to take care of itself.
Serp is three games and percentage behind fifth-placed Macorna, with the 10-point defeat to top side Marong a hammer blow.
It was a winnable game for the Bears, who came from 26 points down at half-time to get within four points of the Panthers late in the final quarter.
“We played really well and we were with them all day, then they kicked one last goal right on the siren,” Wilkinson said. “We had the same number of scoring shots, so it was pleasing in that regard.”
Key forward Josh Mellington remains absent, with the enigmatic goal kicker now on holidays as he continues to recover from post-season surgery. Asked if there was a chance that Mellington might not return, given that finals were unlikely, Wilkinson replied, “Potentially – we’ll cross that bridge when it comes.
“Josh is a valued member of the team, and he wants to play footy for Serp.
“That’s where it sits at the moment, but he is keen to play.”
Farren Priest kicked three goals for the Bears against Marong, with half-forward Ryley Taylor booting five for the winners.
Priest has stood up in Mellington’s absence, with 25 goals for the season, but the missing forward averages nine goals a game in the Loddon Valley league, and is irreplaceable.
Marong’s win rested heavily on a six-goal second quarter after the Bears had a narrow lead at the first change.
Serp hopes to get back on the winning list against Mitiamo on Saturday, with Marong meeting Inglewood in a match that is crucial to the Blues’ top-three chances.
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