KDL | Gallery | Towners celebrate incredible win, Exell notches up a ton

By Aydin Payne

Aug 14, 2022

Under pressure: Shepparton East’s Adem Barolli under heavy pressure. Photo by Megan Fisher

One of the most captivating Kyabram District League senior football seasons in recent memory wrapped up over the weekend and it did so in style.

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It started with Violet Town stunning the ladder leader by one point, a game where gun forward Jack Exell brought up 100 goals, and finished with Girgarre booking a finals ticket for the first time in two decades.

Girgarre — needing a win to replace Merrigum (eighth) — went out and sailed past Longwood 17.18 (120) to 3.4 (22).

And to top off the celebrations for the Roos, playing coach Damian Cupido booted 14 goals to bring up his 100th of the campaign.

Violet Town was talk of the league over the weekend following its extraordinary 17.5 (107) to 15.16 (106) triumph over Avenel.

The Towners booted eight of the last 11 goals in the match to overrun the minor premier in a contest that will make many sit up and take notice over the next five weeks of finals action.

But the round 16 encounter wasn't without its controversy.

Turn and go: Shepparton East’s Jamie Spencer looks to play on quickly. Photo by Megan Fisher

With seconds left in the match, Violet Town's Nick Brazil was awarded a free-kick which was followed by two 50-metre penalties.

The siren sounded and Brazil converted the goal-line set shot to rubber stamp a remarkable Violet Town comeback.

Violet Town coach Sean Horsburgh said he was amazed by his outfit's resilience after they stared down a 25-point deficit at three-quarter-time.

“I asked the boys to just keep competing because I felt that even if the scoreboard didn't show it, we were in the contest throughout the game,” he said.

“The boys just didn't give up and refused to lose which is always pleasing as a coach.

“Obviously it’s a good win going into the elimination final next week. It gives the boys a bit of confidence knowing that we can compete with the top sides.

“The last 10 minutes were at a high intensity and that gave the boys a taste of what finals footy will be like for them.”

Avenel captain Kyle Maynard was influential with three majors, along with club stalwart Paul Arandt and defender Daniel Clarke.

But the day belonged to Violet Town and its star forward Exell.

The silky mover’s seven majors take his season tally to 102 goals.

His 100th major for 2022 came via a set shot 10-metres out on a tight angle, which the left-footer calmly checksided through for a goal.

“It was the first time for Jack to kick 100 goals and to do it in a win like that was a great occasion,” Horsburgh said.

“It's something he'll remember forever and his family were there to see it too which was great.”

Speaking on the way the contest ended, Horsburgh conceded it was a bizarre way for the game to finish, however, he was glad his outfit was on the winning end of the result.

"Yeah it was a strange finish to be honest with you. I don't think I've ever seen a game finish the same way this one did,’’ he said.

“A bit controversial with two 50-metre penalties, but you take a win in any way it comes I guess.’’

Around the grounds, any concerns around Shepparton East and its premiership chances were squashed on Saturday after a thumping 134-point win over Nagambie.

The Eagles, who suffered a 89-point defeat to Nagambie a month ago, were emphatic on their home deck.

Talented onballer Adem Barolli starred with a five-goal display, while Tyler Pedretti and Jamie Spencer provided strong support.

Despite the convincing win Shepparton East missed out on securing a top four 'double chance' due to percentage.

Stanhope pinched fourth from the Eagles thanks to its 219-point drubbing over Tallygaroopna.

Midfield star Ryan Semmel chalked up 10 goals in another best-on performance.

Forward Tom Rennie enjoyed a strong day with eight majors.