Violet Town pulled off one of the wins of the Kyabram District League season on Saturday when it toppled previously undefeated Murchison-Toolamba.
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The Towners, led by star forwards Josh Mellington (10 goals) and Jack Excell (six), delivered Murchison-Toolamba a 19.10 (124) to 12.14 (86) defeat at Violet Town.
Onballers Ollie Ford and Fintan Brazil starred for the hosts with their superb work in and around the contests.
Grasshoppers defender Adam Macgibbon starred for the second-straight week, while Luke Cecchin and James Milne battled hard.
The round five outcome sees Murchison-Toolamba drop to fourth on the ladder, with Violet Town close behind in fifth.
Although the win may have come as a surprise to many outsiders, Violet Town coach Sean Horsburgh said his side had the belief it could upset the Grasshoppers.
“We went in full of belief and confidence that we could get the job done. It may have come as a surprise to those outside of the club but we went in knowing we could win,” he said.
“It was our best performance of the season, just in terms of work rate and effort. The boys have been showing good signs the past couple of weeks now so I was really proud that they were able to put it together.
“We know we have room for improvement; we’re sitting 3-2 so we know we aren’t exactly setting the world on fire.
“We move on quickly now to next week’s match against Stanhope.”
The game was an arm-wrestle in the first term, which saw the home side lead by three points.
However, Violet Town didn’t look back from there and blew the game wide open with a five-goal-to-two second quarter.
Horsburgh praised the performances of Brazil and Ford in the engine room, along with his side’s star forwards.
“Both Ollie and Fintan were important for us in the midfield,” the playing coach said.
“We got beaten up a bit in clearances in that first term but they were both influential in turning it around for us by winning the contested footy and with their ball use.
“Josh and Jack are two dangerous forwards. We know we rely on them heavily but if we get the ball in quick to them the pair will give most defenders trouble.”
Around the grounds, Lancaster suffered its first loss since 2019 in the top-of-the-table clash against Shepparton East.
The Eagles rocketed to first on the ladder thanks to the 10.7 (67) to 3.9 (27) triumph.
Big man Tom McCluskey shone for East, along with onballer Adem Barolli and defender Dwain Vidler.
Phil Carroll and Nick McAuliffe were Lancaster’s best.
Meanwhile, Avenel remains unbeaten and in second spot on the table following its 83-point win over Girgarre.
Jake Sutherland slammed home six majors, while gun onballer Mitch Tobin continued his stellar season.
Merrigum returned to the winners’ list with a 50-point victory over Undera.
Jacob Martin led the way for the Bulldogs, with Rohan Hearn (four goals) and Harley Constable chipping in with support.
Nagambie clinched its first win of the campaign following a 51-point success over Rushworth.
Trent Laverie, Nathan Fothergill and Ty Muir performed strongly for the Lakers, while Tom Stevens, Kyal Zass and Jacob West were Rushworth’s best.
Lastly, Tallygaroopna secured back-to-back wins with a 115-point triumph over Longwood.
Kian Wise was best on for Tally, while Adam Brophy was on fire with five majors.
In the Sunday afternoon fixture, Stanhope was at home to Dookie United.
Sports Editor