Power pips parrots
By Isaac McCallum
JUST ONE point separated bitter rivals Leongatha and Wonthaggi at the final siren of Saturday’s blockbuster clash at
Wonthaggi.
In a match that had been building up since both sides started their pre-season training, the Power came out winners by the slenderest of margins.
The devastation on the faces of the Leongatha players was a stark contrast to the jubilation and relief shown by the Wonthaggi contingent at full time.
The loss, however, is not one to be lamented despite the fact that a win was expected.
Leongatha were playing with seven club debutants, two of which had never played senior football before.
The team will take time to gel together, and with the talent afoot, should make for good viewing for Parrot fans.
First gamers Matt Willcocks and Lochie Dumont both played up forward, and looked to provide a spark throughout the match.
Willcocks, a giant at just 17, presented heartily all day and showed signs of becoming a key figure in the Leongatha forward line for years to come.
Dumont also showed positive signs for the club, as he played with the finesse and risk taking ability that has brought him into the senior side.
He added two goals and never looked troubled in a great performance.
The expectations of a physical match were proved correct early on, as the players bashed and crashed on their way to find the ball, much to the amusement of the large crowd.
Wonthaggi, despite being the team coming from a lesser league, played more confidently than their counterparts early on.
The Power kicked five of the first six goals and looked as if they’d taken complete control of the match.
The sluggish start proved the visitors downfall as they wrestled back control later on in the match.
The effort in the first quarter was not well respected by the Leongatha coach, Adrian Campbell, as he told his players that the home side had “spooked” them.
“Keep your head over the ball.”
Campbell was convinced that the Power’s physicality and willingness at the ball had left his side on the back foot.
He asked for hard, yet controlled aggression as the Parrots planned to fight fire with fire.
Two players who looked at home in the hard and tough football early on were two stalwarts of the club, former captain Paul LePage and current captain Jack Hughes.
Hughes laid tackle after tackle in the midfield, whilst LePage spoiled and bumped at will in the back half.
His giant hit on a Wonthaggi forward early in the second quarter left the crowd amazed.
Despite the physicality of the game, most of the hits and tackles were in the spirit of the game.
The game slowed in the second quarter, but Wonthaggi still looked to own control of the ball, mainly due to their supreme footskills.
Leongatha’s ball movement was sloppy and they were paying the price.
The Power looked comfortable in their new league, playing with a confidence and bravado that made many in the crowd second guess their early game tip.
The Parrots’ intensity was up to the standard that was so defining of them last year, as was recognised by Adrian Campbell.
He chided his side, reminding them that they had built a reputation as the number one tackling side in the competition, and that they were falling well short of their mark.
“We pride ourselves on our pressure, and at the moment I’m not seeing enough. Lift.”
Campbell tried to inspire his players with his trademark finger pointed straight at them, asking each and every one of them to rise to the occasion.
Campbell’s address paid dividends as his charges came out and performed against the breeze in the third quarter.
The belief was in the players, and now it was a case of them putting it into effect.
Hayden Browne lifted his workrate, and his possession count as he was all over the ground collecting disposals.
Leongatha’s pressure went up a notch and Wonthaggi started to second guess their ball
movement.
Poor kicking by the Parrots, however, was allowing the Power to hold on to their handy 20-odd point lead.
But eventually the visitors got it right and, with two quick goals to Holt and Truscio, they were back within 15 points at the last change.
With the wind behind them and a full head of steam up, the Parrots looked at even money to come home with the goods when it counted most.
The players looked to have a distinct taste of hunger when they huddled, listening to Campbell.
His advice was simple.
Keep up the pressure and the rewards will come.
The fired up side went out full of voice and confidence, whilst a quiet Wonthaggi team slowly made their way out, looking less like the Power that played so well in the first half.
When Lochie Dumont goaled early in the last quarter it brought his side back within nine points, just two kicks away and with plenty of time on the clock.
Young gun Tom Marriott lifted and threw his body into every contest, tackling fiercely, and finding the hard ball.
The Power had faded and were clenching to a lead they’d fought so hard for in the first half.
They looked tired, but were still giving their all, not willing to relinquish their lead.
The quarter played out continually, with stoppages and hard hits the main focus of the quarter, and the Parrots were still unable to kick their next goal.
But when Travis Brown somehow clawed the ball out of a pack inside 50, his quick snap sailed truly and the game was within two points.
The crowd were jumping out of their skins, half waiting for the siren, while the other half were praying for a goal.
Unfortunately for the latter, their prayers weren’t answered and Wonthaggi held on in what will surely be a historic clash for the two clubs.
A sore and disappointed Leongatha side limped off the field, with tired bodies and some hurt confidence.
The Parrots will have a week off next week, as the rest of the league completes round one.
Short URL: http://www.thestar.com.au/?p=353
Posted by 
