Liam Durkin and Zac Standish
COMEBACK was the word most associated with the return to football last weekend, as virtually every player that took to the field made a comeback of sorts following the year off.
Taking on the comeback theme for this week’s Four Quarters, we take a look at some of the best come-from-behind victories local teams have had in recent years.
1. Wonthaggi Power, Gippsland League senior preliminary final 2014
IN a match that may well go down as the greatest in the history of Gippsland football, the Power found themselves 45 points adrift at three quarter time of the 2014 Gippsland League preliminary final.
Wonthaggi trailed Sale 13.10 (88) to 6.7 (43) before a truly astonishing 30 minutes of football saw the Power slam on 7.5 to no score in the last quarter.
The two point win sent Wonthaggi into their first grand final as a merged entity, and also created a record for the biggest comeback in a Gippsland League final.
The winning goal came from Michael Kelly on the edge of the 50. The small forward seemed to mark the ball, but was called to play on, and while he was set upon by Sale defenders, got his kick away and the ball sailed through to put the Power ahead for the first time of the game.
Those in attendance at Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe erupted at that moment in a collective roar of shock as jaws dropped and hands went on top of heads in utter disbelief.
Wonthaggi ruckman Earl Shaw was in no doubt as to where the win ranked in his career.
“It was definitely the best win I have been a part of,” he said.
“All the boys that played that day were lucky enough to be part of something special.
“When the final siren sounded I remember hugging random strangers that had found their way onto the ground, it was such a good feeling.
“Everyone, and I mean everyone, was singing the club song.
“I never felt as though we were out of it, even at three-quarter time the score didn’t reflect our effort.”
Wonthaggi Power 13.12 (90) defeated Sale 13.10 (88).
2. Hill End, Mid Gippsland FL senior preliminary final 2019
AS far as feel-good stories go, it would be hard to go past Hill End’s remarkable run to the 2019 senior Mid Gippsland grand final.
The Hillmen were coming off a three win season the year prior, and had spent more than a decade out of finals action before taking everyone by surprise with a virtual tsunami of momentum during 2019.
As the weeks rolled on and the wins kept chalking up, the commentary of ‘surely they couldn’t’ became louder and louder and then suddenly Hill End was in a preliminary final.
With quite possibly the most neutral support ever seen in local football, the Hillmen overcame a five-goal third quarter deficit to book themselves a place in their first senior grand final in 35 years.
The match saw celebrations normally reserved for a premiership, and even sent grown men to tears. Hill End player Jimmy Grant was given the best birthday present that day, as his side won by 10 points over Mirboo North at Newborough.
“It was incredible, comfortably the best game I’ve ever been in – the best day of my life,” he said.
“You talk to the boys and none of us realised we were five goals down, we thought we were in it within a goal.
“It had that grand final atmosphere about it, especially playing at Newborough. When the final siren went everyone flooded the ground … it was awesome.”
Hill End 13.7 (85) defeated Mirboo North 11.9 (75).
3. Gippsland Power, 2019 NAB League round 12
WITH nine of their best players missing due to national championship commitments and 13 bottom-age players on the day, Gippsland Power went into their three quarter time huddle 27 points down against Geelong Falcons.
While a five goal deficit is not insurmountable in ordinary conditions, heavy rain and a fierce wind on this particular day at Shepley Oval, Dandenong meant the margin was the equivalent of something much higher.
The Power had only kicked two goals to three quarter time, and had not even scored in the first quarter.
However, the team found something in the last, and kicked six goals to one to grind out a gutsy four point win.
Current Essendon player Zach Reid kicked the winner, while Adelaide rising star Sam Berry was best afield with three majors.
Reflecting after the game, Gippsland Power coach Rhett McLennan told his players when they are old men with grey beards and remembering the ‘good old days’ that they will always remember this performance and their contribution to it.
Gippsland Power 8.5 (53) defeated Geelong Falcons 7.7 (49).
4. Newborough, Mid Gippsland FL thirds preliminary final 2010
THE Bulldogs were staring their fate in the face at half-time of the preliminary final against Mirboo North, as at half time the scoreboard read 7.2 (44) to 1.6 (12).
Newborough kept the Tigers goalless in the third term, but could still only cut the margin from 32 to 26 points heading into the last.
Considering the often low scoring nature of underage finals, and the fact there is no time on, it appeared all but certain Mirboo North would be able to keep their opponents at bay, or at the very least, kill enough time to ensure victory.
However, in the last quarter, the Bulldogs gained momentum and kicked five goals to one to win by two points.
Jake Munro kicked the winner in front of the coaches’ box at Morwell East, sending the Newborough faithful into raptures.
The Bulldogs went on to win the premiership the following week, giving their preliminary final comeback even more significance.
The match was referred to as a ‘reverse Mirboo North’, as traditionally it was the Tigers who won finals from seemingly impossible positions.
Newborough 7.13 (55) defeated Mirboo North 8.5 (53).
