THE sleeping giant of the North Central Football League is now awake after Wedderburn ended St Arnaud’s short reign at the top of the ladder on Saturday.
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In front of a big crowd at Donaldson Park, the Redbacks overcame a 15-point deficit at three quarter-time to win 13.15 (93) to 11.14 (80).
The hard-fought 13-point victory ended St Arnaud’s seven-game winning streak and cost the Saints top spot.
But more importantly for Wedderburn, it was a reminder of the damage the reigning premiers – who have had an inconsistent year – are still capable of doing at the business end of the season.
The Redbacks finished the game full of run, kicking five goals to one in the last quarter.
Cameron Perry played a super last quarter for the Redbacks, kicking three goals, including the final two of the match to seal Wedderburn’s third win in a row.
The Redbacks suffered a blow early when star forward Sam Barnes was forced from the ground in the first term with a leg injury.
Best players for the Redbacks included Brady Herdman, the in-form Rohan McHugh, Robert Tonkin, Perry, Brett Strange and Ben DeAraugo (three goals).
For the third game in a row, the Saints’ best player was coach James McNamee, who kicked four goals.
Lee Stewart, Ross Tungatalum (two goals) and Nicholas Coghlan (two goals) were others to play well in the Saints’ first defeat since round six.
● In the only other game on Saturday, Charlton returned to its early-season form, belting Wycheproof-Narraport by 61 points to move back to the top of the ladder.
The Navy Blues put a patchy past six weeks behind them to produce an 18.9 (117) to 7.14 (56) win.
In what shaped a tight tussle between two sides in the top three, the Navy Blues shut the Demons out of the contest early.
Charlton led by 24 points at quarter-time, before extending the margin to 38 at the main break, 11.4 to 4.8.
In what was a solid team effort, Shane Rogan, Daniel Thiesz, Joseph McGrath (six goals) and Joseph McLean (two goals) were the best for the Navy Blues, who lost Aaron Walklate to a shoulder injury.
The loss ended the Demons’ five-game winning streak and cost their spot in the top two. They had good players in Boe Bish, Corey Jones, Jacob White and Rolly White.
Saturday’ results leaves Charlton, St Arnaud and Wycheproof-Narraport all with 9-4 records.
Ladder: Charlton (9-4), St Arnaud (9-4), Wycheproof-Narraport 99-4), Wedderburn (7-5-1), Boort (5-7), Donald (3-8-1), Birchip-Watchem (1-11).
Next week: Charlton v Boort; Donald v Wycheproof-Narraport; St Arnaud v Birchip-Watchem.