Mooroopna has defied the odds and upset top-four outfit Euroa by 11 points in a classic Goulburn Valley League encounter at the weekend.
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The Cats pulled off a stunning second half comeback and clawed their way to a memorable 9.9 (63) to 7.10 (52) triumph in front of their home crowd.
Down by four goals at the main break, the Cats surged home with five goals to zip to record their third win of the campaign.
It was a pulsating contest that looked to be sewn up at the main break in favour of the visitors, however, the young Mooroopna contingent had other ideas.
Led by defender Lachie Devine, midfielder Dean Smith and ruckman Keelin Betson, the Cats drew within four points at the last break.
Euroa, down on personnel and without leading goal-kicker Tristan Davies, was unable to get any breathing space in the final term.
The Cats pinched the lead halfway through the quarter and momentum helped carry them through to the end.
Speaking after the game, Mooroopna coach John Lamont was over the moon with the result and the belief among his playing group.
“It's an enormous result,” Lamont said.
“It was a big game, at home, like everyone you want to win (at home).
“Our blokes had a bit of belief at three-quarter time that they could do it.
“We were less than a kick behind, but we were against the flow because it wasn't the scoring end.
“The message was that we have got to run, it's our only chance, because if we run, take the game on and play as quick a tempo as we can, without being rushed, that's our only chance.
“And bugger me, they've done it.”
The captivating win helps lifts Mooroopna to equal sixth on the ladder, but in eighth spot due to percentage.
With his side in a handy position as the competition enters the bye weekend, Lamont was quick to emphasise that the ladder movement was not a key focus for his young brigade.
“That's not yet (important),” Lamont said.
“This is a really young group, of that 22 today, 14 of them have exited from the under-18s in the last two or three years.
“That's why playing finals and keeping in touch, isn't important. What is important is the belief our players will get from today's game.
“We'll get an enormous amount of belief.”
Euroa's day was soured by the injury to star talent Jett Trotter late in the match.
Trotter, who was one of his side's top performers, was stretchered off the ground due to a leg injury.
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