While the cat’s away, the mice will play!
The top-two teams in West Gippsland footy sat idle on the weekend allowing the remaining finals contenders to oil up, flex their muscles and glow in the spotlight.
Cora Lynn star Nathan Gardiner was once again the lead act in round 16, booting 11 goals in a 70-point thumping of Dalyston.
Gardiner has been in magnificent form of late, booting 42 goals in four weeks, leaving him just eight goals short of a third-consecutive century.
The Cobras had the five highest-rated players on the ground, with Gardiner receiving silver-service form the likes of Jimmy Munro (33 possessions; 165 ranking points), Jaxon Briggs (29/154), Billy Thomas (21/152) and Matt Ryan (19/127).
Thomas also had 49 hitouts, clearly winning the big-man battle with Kurt Thomas.
Mark Banham and Jordan Butera were also important for the Cobras, while Mitch Hallahan and Hayden Wallis slotted three goals each for Dalyston.
Cora Lynn heads to Korumburra-Bena this week before a fuel-efficient finish to the season against Tooradin-Dalmore (h), Phillip Island (h) and Nar Nar Goon (a).
Phillip Island has kept its faint top-two chances alive with a 59-point victory over Kilcunda-Bass.
Unlike the other games on the weekend, there were no massive quarters from the Bulldogs who preferred to gradually pull away from a determined Panthers’ outfit.
The Bulldogs kicked no more than four goals in a term, and no less than three, in a consistent four-quarter effort.
Reigning league best and fairest winner Hayden Bruce was superb for the Bulldogs with 38 disposals, while his able ally Max Walton was not far behind with 36.
The Bulldogs had a plethora of ball-winners, with Mark Collison (29 touches) and 250-gamer Jaymie Youle (27 touches) also getting their hands on the footy.
Cam Pedersen kicked a game-high three for the winners, racking up 20 disposals and 54 hitouts on his way to 171 ranking points.
Tim Gunn kicked three goals for Kilcunda-Bass.
Inverloch-Kongwak has ended a three-game losing streak with a seven-goal last quarter leading to a 52-point win over Korumburra-Bena.
The Sea Eagles led by nine points at the final break, but carved the Giants to pieces with an entertaining final term.
Dylan Clark kicked four goals and Nick Baltas three, while Paul Pattison, Callan O’Flynn and Harry Butcher were among their best contributors.
Ryan Gillis continues to be a threat for the Giants, slotting three majors, while Josh Hopkins, Jordan Ceppi and Kye Benson had 86 touches between them.
And a dominant second quarter has guided Warragul Industrials to a 21-point victory over Garfield.
The Dusties led by 14 points at the first break, but extended to 32 points after a strong lead in to half time.
The Dusties had multiple threats up forward, with Bobby McCallum landing three blows, while Bailey Beck, Tom Cornwall and Michael Debenham chipped in with a couple each.
Todd Beck had 30 touches for the winners, while Nic Visser, Goy Lok and Wil McGillivray were rock-solid contributors for four quarters.
Will Pickering kicked three for the Stars while Eddie Morris had 21 kicks and seven handballs in a fine display through the midfield.
Kooweerup, Nar Nar Goon and Tooradin-Dalmore had the bye.
