East Wagga-Kooringal’s full forward Marc Geppert delivered his 100th goal of the season to a roaring crowd at Gumly Oval in the final minutes of the game, as his team thrashed Marrar on Saturday.
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The undefeated Hawks are yet to meet their match; downing the Bombers 21.17 (143) to 4.8 (32).
Hawks coach Gavin McMahon praised Geppert for reaching the ton.
“He’s certainly earned every one of his goals, he gets a lot of treatment and double teaming each week,” McMahon said.
Indeed; Marrar backs had him tagged, particularly in the fourth. Geppert hit 99 with 10 minutes to go, and spectators held their breath, looking for the lead goal-scorer when the ball entered East Wagga-Kooringal’s attacking zone but he was rarely a viable option.
Hawks late recruit Christian Kelly was back in form after a brief slump, pocketing goals and, under pressure, working persistently to release the ball to a teammate.
Another class forward Nick Baggio took the mug on Saturday.
“Primarily his defensive work in the forward fifty was outstanding today, created a lot of goal scoring opportunities,” McMahon said.
The 111 point gap doesn’t indicate the pressure the Hawks were under; battling through a congested forward half.
“Opposition teams are always trying to drop a few players in our back 50,” McMahon said. “At the end of the day we were playing the game where we want it; in our forward 50.”
Marrar presented a challenge early on in the game, putting the first point on the board and limiting the Hawks to three goals before quarter time.
A Hawks quarter time pep talk changed the tone of the game.
“We certainly let them know they looked like they were going through the motions, and they responded accordingly,” McMahon said.
He’s pleased with their form leading into finals, after two “four quarter performances.”
Full time
East Wagga Kooringal
3.5, 13.6, 17.13, 21.17 (143)
Marrar
1.2, 2.4, 3.6, 4.8 (32)
Goals: (East Wagga Kooringal) Marc Geppert 8, Christian Kelly 5, James Creasy 3, James Hodges, Ryan Campbell, Jake Robinson, Ben Absolum, Stuart Brierty (Marrar) Luke Aylett, Joel Kelly, Mitchell O'Brien, Callum Gardner
Best: (East Wagga Kooringal) Nick Baggio, James Hodges, Luke Cuthbert, Christian Kelly, Marc Geppert, Kade Rowbotham (Marrar) Joshua Hanlon, Josh Hagar, Jake Hindmarsh, Kerrod Roberts, Andrew Higginson, Clinton Taylor