A week after upstaging Collingullie-Glenfield Park, the Goannas produced a brilliant first half performance that laid the platform for a 41-point win, 13.9 (87) to 5.16 (46) at Mangoplah Sportsground.

MCUE full-forward Jordan Foster continued his white hot form with an eight-goal performance, seven of which came in a dominant first half.

Foster kicked five of MCUE’s six goals in the first term as they used the breeze to full advantage and opened up a 36-point lead.

They then came out and extended the margin in the second term as Griffith disappointed with the breeze, and MCUE went into half-time 42 points in front.

Griffith, after copping a ferocious spray at the break, were much more competitive in the second half but the damage had been done.

MCUE are hitting their straps at the right time of year and coach Travis Cohalan said it was always going to be a case of taking time to reach their best.

“I don’t know if it’s a sense of timing but from the start of the year, I was always very confident that we wouldn’t be playing our best football until August, September, just due to the fact that we had so many new players,” Cohalan said.

“Three new players coming from Melbourne, all key position players, and we changed our game plan completely from last year so it’s taken a while for the boys to adapt to the new structures and game plan.

“That’s probably one of the reasons why we have been a little bit inconsistent, is because the boys that played last year will revert back to last year’s game plan, when it’s completely different. That’s been a bit of a challenge but I think we certainly are improving.”

Cohalan rated the big win over Griffith as good as any performance his team has produced this season, and they did it with Dylan de Britt, Stace Creasy and Paddy Griffin.

“I certainly think it’s up there, and equal to, if not our best performance of the year,” he said.

“To do that today, two weeks out from finals against a team we rate very highly, who will be in the finals and pushing for top three, and also coming into the game fresh from the bye as well, for us to be able to do that job was really pleasing.”

Foster was the star of the show with a sensational first half and was best for MCUE.

At the other end of the ground, Matt Collins kept Brent Arho goalless. 

Nathan Byrne worked tirelessly in the ruck, while Harry Collins was the pick of MCUE’s midfield.

Lucas and Jacob Conlan showed plenty of promise for Griffith in what was an otherwise disappointing day fore the Swans.

Griffith are now confirmed to finish in fourth position and will take on either Wagga Tigers or Coolamon in the elimination final at Robertson Oval.

MCUE are still in the hunt for the minor premiership, and finish with Narrandera next Saturday.

The Goannas wore black armbands on Saturday for the passing of former netballer, Sarah Lloyd.