Perseverance and self-belief played a big part in Kyneton senior footballers fighting back in the second half to win a vital match against Macedon by 10 points on Saturday.
The round 12 match of the day at the Showgrounds lived up to expectations from the perspective of the outcome being uncertain until the dying stages of the last quarter.
Kyneton playing coach Ethan Foreman had every reason to be pleased about the way his players knuckled down after a sluggish first term dominated by the Cats.
Macedon led by three goals at the first change but could not push the lead to a beyond challenge situation.
The difference at half-time was 14 points and it was clear every goal had to be earned, with both teams chasing four points to enhance their finals prospects.
DARLEY STAR DEBUTS
Kyneton included highly credentialed Shane Page for his first game, having secured his services before clearances closed.
Page was a former Kyneton player who transferred to Darley in 2013. He was captain of Darley for eight seasons, which included two premierships.
Kyneton hope he can be a decided acquisition both on and off the field as the push to climb the ladder intensifies.
The third quarter saw each side kick four goals, but it was apparent Kyneton was well in the hunt with plenty of possessions.
With so much at stake, the Tigers lifted intensity with ruckman Haydn Smith having a vital influence.
The Cats could not stem the tide and faded to be restricted to a miserable two points in the last term. They slipped to fourth place.
Final scores were 10.13 (73) to 9.9 (63).
Despite being alone in sixth place, Kyneton has the third highest percentage (152.88%) of the six top sides, and will be trying to improve on the ladder before finals time.
The Tigers’ best were listed as Smith, Hamish Yunghanns, Caleb Fisher and Isaac Barassi, while the Cats’ best were Sam Indian, Charlie Rossetti, Leo Webb and Tate Wilson.
Kyneton goes to Romsey this Saturday, and Macedon hosts Diggers Rest.
Other matches on Saturday were decided by various margins, with the outcomes clear well before siren time.
SMART KICKS 10
In a free-flowing match, unbeaten ladder leader Wallan scored 23.10 (148) to Gisborne Giants 12.11 (83).
Magpie Lachie Smart kicked 10 goals to take over the lead in the senior goalkicking.
Woodend-Hesket was shocked as Melton Centrals opened up with seven goals in the first quarter, and never got back in contention.
Final scores were 12.10 (82) to 6.11 (47).
The Hawks were well served by Michael Craven, Brendan Butler and Dan Toman.
Third-placed Riddell rammed home nine goals in the third term to get on top of cellar dweller Lancefield, with final scores 19.12 (126) to 5.5 (35).
Big ruckman Mark Kovacevic was the Bombers’ best with six goals, with Callum Williamson and Mackenzie Casson in the top three. The Tigers’ best were Reuben Schembri, Matt Bowden and Jack Dalgleish.
Second-placed Diggers Rest led by six goals against Melton South at half time, then eased off in the second half to win by 27 points.
There are only four matches in round 13 this Saturday — Romsey v Kyneton, Wallan v Woodend-Hesket, Macedon v Diggers Rest, Melton Centrals v Gisborne Giants. Riddell, Lancefield and Melton South all have byes.