Season on the line

A thrilling TDFL finals race is set to be decided over the final fortnight of the season, with Beechworth’s senior footballers right in the thick of the action. Just two and a half games separate seven teams who are jostling for position in finals as one of the closest finishes in recent competition memory enters the last two weeks. The Bushrangers currently sit fourth after two straight wins, but could find themselves as low as seventh if they fall at their first hurdle on Saturday at Yackandandah. The loss could see them fall out of the finals race completely, despite occupying a spot in the top five for a majority of the season. After dropping five of their first six games of the season, the Roos have found themselves in the unlikely position of pushing for a finals berth following wins against Barnawartha and Thurgoona. Barnawartha, Chiltern and Rutherglen currently occupy the rest of the top five with Beechworth and Kiewa Sandy Creek, who have sown up the minor premiership. Of all the competing sides the Dogs will like their chances the most as they face the bottom two sides in Dederang-Mount Beauty and Wahgunyah in their run home. Healthy percentages and an extra win in favour of the Tigers and the Swans in second and third also have them in a good position. The Roos will head into their match with Beechworth at Bunton Park as favourites, with the Bushrangers being forced to manage a heavy injury toll throughout the second half of the season. But with injuries has brought opportunity, with Beechworth blooding as many as seven debutants this season. One of those debuts occurred on the weekend as young Tom Stefaniak had the boys up and about kicking a goal in his first senior game against Wodonga Saints. The Bushrangers propelled from a 14-goal first half to run riot over the Saints and win by 93 points at Baarmutha Park. Hayden Cooper and Liam Stephens played well with the midfield group of Clancy Ellett, Tom Cartledge, Brenton Surrey and Tristan Lenaz. Dayne Carey’s four goals was the most out of a mix of goal kickers, with Lachie Armstrong and Connor Stone finishing with three each. Across the fence it was an unfortunate afternoon for Beechworth’s A grade, going down in a close one 37-41. The win marked Wodonga’s first of the season after going into the game 0-15. Aliza Robinson and Eidenne Surrey were Beechworth’s best across defence and the midcourt while Lainey Alexander led the way beneath the goals converting 18 of her 32 shots.

Season on the line

Heartbreaking end for 'Bushies

Fendyk runner up, Cartledge third in Barton medal count

Sandy Creek season

Win and you’re in

Aussie rules booming in North East

Rufous Whistler – arrival of a summer songbird

Bombers go back-to-back in A grade

“No stone unturned” – Police committed to the long-haul in manhunt

Start your engines, Wilby Drags are back

Most popular stories