A determined Buchan took the game right to unbeaten ladder-leader Bruthen last Saturday in round nine of the Omeo District Football Netball League, giving the pacesetters a genuine scare at the Bruthen Recreation Reserve.
Ultimately, the Bulldogs found another gear when it mattered most. Trailing by nine points at three quarter time, the home side reclaimed their momentum to slam home five unanswered goals in the final term, escaping with a 25-point victory that was far harder than the final margin suggested.
Early on, it appeared Bruthen was on track for a routine afternoon when they skipped out to a 13-point lead at the first change.
However, the Cavemen had other ideas, producing one of their finest quarters of the season in the second term. Buchan completely outworked the league leaders, booting five goals to two to carry an unexpected nine-point buffer into the long break.
Tyson Siddle (four goals) and Justin Hunt (two) provided a potent focal point in the forward 50 for the visitors, with Siddle proving particularly difficult to contain on the lead whenever the Cavemen delivered the ball to his advantage.
The third quarter developed into a tense, defensive arm-wrestle. Bruthen desperately tried to wrestle the contest back onto their own terms, but both sides could only manage a single major apiece, setting the stage for a grandstand finish.
With the match on the line, the Bulldogs’ class rose to the top. Dynamic performances from Dylan Somerville, Nicholas Ward and veteran Ray Giddings spearheaded the final-quarter resurgence.
Bruthen benefited from a highly productive spread of goalkickers, proving they are far less reliant on star forward Jirra Moffat (two goals) this season. Co-coach Jan Cabaybay and left-footer Brendan Flinn chipped in with three majors each, while midfield ball-magnet Harley Kenner and skipper Richard Harrison both finished with two.
Among the best for the victorious Bulldogs were Will Matthews, Giddings, the consistent Lukas Lakay, Harrison, Somerville and Ward. For the Cavemen, Tim Weller was outstanding, receiving strong support from the hard-running Jock Coates, Kyle Derbyshire, Hamish Hancock and Connor McCormack.
Bruthen will now look to protect its unblemished record when it hosts Lindenow South at the Swamp this weekend, while Buchan sits out with the bye.
If the Cavemen can maintain the fierce intensity they displayed against the competition’s best, they look well-placed to secure a top-four finish and play finals football.
