ABERFELDIE 13.9 (87) def. STRATHMORE 9.11 (65)
MATCH CENTRE
POST GAME SHOW
By Luke Mathews
Aberfeldie is back on the winner's list after defeating Strathmore by 22 points at Windy Hill.
The win means Aberfeldie leapfrogs Strathmore into second spot on the ladder, however they still remain one win behind ladder leaders Keilor despite playing one extra game.
The Mores got the jump on their archrivals, kicking the first two of the game before the sides went goal for goal to finish the term with Strathmore ahead by 12 points.
The stalemate continued for most of the second quarter with Abers unable to get within four points, however Sam Medland gave his side a huge boost when he kicked the last of the second term.
Sam Paea gave Abers the lead for the first time five minutes into the third term, however Strathmore responded with goals to Tom Denning and Sam Hayes in quick succession.
Paea was proving to be a handful for the Strathmore backline with another two goals late in the third term which restricted the Mores' lead to just three points at the final change.
With the game hanging in the balance at three quarter time, it was Aberfeldie that had all the answers, booting five final quarter goals to seal a stirring victory of its arch rivals.
In the final quarter, the Rillas were plus-16 in contested possession, plus-9 in clearances, and plus-10 in inside 50s, with Strathmore unable to match Abers when it really counted.
Jack Middleton claimed the Mount Alexander Hotel best on ground award, with 12 touches and seven inside 50s in the last quarter alone.
Stefan Rasinac was dominant once again for the Rillas, collecting 35 disposals and 19 contested possessions, while Medland had his best game for the year kicking four goals.
For Strathmore, Liam Cavanagh continues to go from strength to strength finishing with 30 disposals and seven marks, while Lachlan Plant and Luke Jarrad fought hard all day.
Both teams will rest up next week before Abers will be back at Clifton Park to take on Marby, while Strathmore will be at Lebanon Reserve to square off with Greenvale.
