AT THREE-QUARTER time last Saturday, a massive upset was on the cards when Wedderburn led last season’s undefeated premiers Sea Lake Nandaly by seven points in their North Central league clash.
It wasn’t to be, with the Tigers managing four goals to two in the final term to break Redback hearts and come away with a 15-point win.
For Wedderburn playing coach Tom Metherell the result was both a bitter disappointment and a great statement of intent.
“There was a bit of a breeze, and they got a couple of early ones in the last. We wrested back the momentum, but they had a bit more polish in the end,” Metherell said.
Standing at full forward for Sea Lake Nandaly was former AFL star Josh Jenkins, who was coming off eight goals in round one.
Wedderburn’s gritty defence managed to hold the ex-Crow and Cat goalless.
“We brought up Matt Lockhart from the reserves for the Jenkins role. He’s a big, strong lad and he did a great job,” Metherell said.
“Our defensive pressure was through the roof, and they weren’t getting clean entries. We also did really well to push Jenkins wide.”
The Redbacks were left to rue some errant shots at goal – they had only one fewer scoring shot than the Tigers.
Danny Benaim was best on ground for Wedderburn, with Jayden Jones, Jackson McEwan, Sam Lockhart, Darcy Jackson and Metherell among the best.
Sam Lockhart won special praise from his coach for his courage in playing on after breaking a bone in his wrist in the first quarter. He will miss up to six weeks.
The Redbacks, third on the ladder, come up against Charlton, who are second last, in round three.
“I told the boys not to get too cocky with how close we got this week, but there’s no reason why we can’t fight back against Charlton,” Metherell said.
Charlton v Wedderburn
Sea Lake Nandaly v Wycheproof Narraport
St Arnaud v Birchip Watchem
Donald v Nullawil