By Marcus Uhe
It was billed as a fortnight that would provide a frank assessment of Pakenham’s growth as a side since the beginning of the season, and the results proved that there’s still work to do for Ash Green’s men.
Last week’s 65-point loss to Narre Warren was followed by a 52-point loss to Woori Yallock in round 11, in a contest in which the Tigers had 34 scoring shots to 12, finishing 11.23 89 to 5.7 37.
The second quarter was the telling period of football in the contest, where last year’s runner up kicked 6.11 to Pakenham’s four behinds, making full use the breeze at their backs on its home patch.
Pakenham went goalless in the fourth term as well, unable to register a major while kicking into the wind all day.
That quarter aside, the Lions were largely in the hunt, but fell short against a bigger, stronger and more organised side, while managing personnel issues of their own.
Inspirational captain Jake Barclay missed due to the league’s concussion protocols, after suffering a knock to the head against Narre Warren the week before, while Jackson Berry and Stephen Moray’s absences in the back half were acutely felt, with Joshua Neal kicking four for the home side.
Zach Monkhorst starred for the Tigers in the middle of the ground, finishing the contest with 32 disposals, 13 clearances and an incredible 76 hit outs.
Jordan Stewart, Koby Grass and Joel Sarlo were among Pakenham’s best.
This week’s bye comes at a good time for Pakenham, offering more precious recovery time for senior players to get themselves right for the back half of the season.
With return clashes against the Magpies and Woori Yallock out of the way early in the second half of the year, all remaining contests outside of the match-up with Wandin are against sides on equal place or below them on the table, leaving them primed for a run at a finals spot.
Gembrook Cockatoo’s brutal run of form continued at the hands of Monbulk, thrashed by 68 points at the Hawks’ nest.
The Brookers managed to hit the scoreboard in the first term but still trailed by 41 at the first change, and 56 at the half.
Eight goals to 10 in the second half showed their resilience, but the absence of leaders Josh Tilly and Michael Firrito proved telling.
Myles Wareham kicked five in a lone hand up forward for the men in green, with defenders Brayden Weller and Frank Didonato offering resistance in the back half.
For Monbulk, Ziggy Hatherley and Lochlan Beecroft each kicked four.
For the second week in a row, Mt Evelyn provided the upset of the round, getting the better of Upwey Tecoma at home by nine points.
The Rovers flew out of the blocks to lead by 28 points at the first break before holding the Tigers at arms-length for the remainder of the contest, despite being outscored by 13 points in the final term.
