By Jonty Ralphsmith
Inaccuracy has cost Gippsland a shot at victory over Tasmania in its Talent League elimination final at Highgate Reserve, Craigieburn, on Saturday.
The Power went down 5.15 45 to Tasmania’s 9.8 62.
In windy conditions, Gippsland could not find its radar in front of goal, with a 2.6 second quarter – when they had all the running – preventing them from ramping the pressure up on Tasmania.
Lachie Smith was far too strong in the ruck contest, winning 29 hitouts and several clearances among his 15 disposals, with Lane Ward and Harry Scott getting it going through the middle.
But the size of Devil Arie Schoenmaker down back was a hazard for Gippsland, alongside several other rebounders who scrapped and denied Gippsland space inside 50.
Tom Hanily and Jasper Alger were lively all day up forward, but both missed several gettable opportunities which kept Tasmania within two points at three-quarter-time of a low scoring affair.
The Power winning the inside-50 count by eight exemplified their general dominance on proceedings, with Jesse Craven’s run and William Brent’s tackling pressure key contributors.
But four final quarter goals to Tasmania proved too strong for Gippsland, with the margin extending towards two goals halfway through the quarter.
Top-10 prospect Zane Duursma left it all out there, contesting a ruck duel, winning a holding the ball free kick, taking a one-on-three mark, and running around the man on the mark to convert a classy shot from long range all within 60 seconds at the 21-minute mark.
That briefly gave Gippsland optimism, putting them within 12 points with four minutes to play, but their hopes were extinguished as the visitors held up.
Defenders Zac Felsbourg, Sam Hoghton and Jehi Esler each competed well one-on-one to stave off Tassie’s charges throughout the game.
Xavier Lindsay was again missing with a hip flexor injury and Ricky Mentha didn’t play after exiting last Sunday’s game with a nasty knock.
Next week in the boys Talent League, Sandringham will take on Geelong and Eastern have Tasmania, with the winners to play off in the grand final.
