There is still a chance the “September Specialists” Mount Burr may yet force themselves into the top four of the Mid South Eastern Football League with just two rounds remaining.
The Mozzies lost to second-placed Robe by a mere nine points in the seaside fog in round 16 on Saturday.
To jump from fifth and dislodge fourth-placed Kalangadoo, the Mozzies have to achieve big wins over Tantanoola (home) and then Glencoe (away).
Clint Gallio’s team would also be relying on Nangwarry to defeat the black and whites to remove the percentage dilemma.
While blighting Mount Burr’s major round chances, the Robe victory has guaranteed the Roosters a top-two minor round finish and the double chance.
The Roosters will play the Eagles at Hatherleigh on Saturday and these two teams will again meet at this venue in the second semi-final on September 7.
Meanwhile, all four games in round 16 were relatively close, with the average winning margin being only 39 points and three of the four matches in doubt at the last change.
The MSEFL will finish 2024 with all clubs recording at least one win.
Robe 9.8 def. Mount Burr 7.11
Both Robe and Mount Burr had plenty of incentives to claim the premiership points at the seaside, but the match will be chiefly remembered for a rare weather event.
A thick fog descended on the Robe Oval late in the A Grade match and reduced visibility for players, umpires and spectators alike.
You could not see further than 80-100 metres.
The visitors almost caused an upset as they narrowly led at every change of ends.
Having kicked just five majors in the opening three terms, Robe had to produce a four goal to two final term to see off Mount Burr.
The seasiders will need to do more in round 17 at Hatherleigh in a game which will have a huge bearing on the minor premiership.
Their other 2024 encounter had produced a narrow 14-point win to the Eagles.
Meanwhile Mount Burr will need to defeat Tantanoola by at least 20 goals to keep their slim hopes of a major round berth alive.
Glencoe 12.7 def. Nangwarry 9.5
Glencoe was not assured of defeating Nangwarry at home until well into the final term.
The Murphies took a narrow lead into quarter time and then slightly increased it in the remaining three terms.
The visitors defended in dogged fashion and had a good target in attack in Jack Pudney who finished with a game-high tally of four goals.
At the other end of the oval, Alex Hentschke was again the pick of the forwards for the Murphies.
His three goals took his season’s tally to 50 and he kept his place at the head of the MSEFL goalkickers ladder.
Hentschke has four more goals than second-placed Paddy Chay of Hatherleigh.
Both teams were without key onfield leaders in Glencoe’s former captain and coach Zacc Cocks and Nangwarry co-captain Jake McKeon.
Cocks had a family commitment while McKeon was recovering from knee reconstruction surgery in Mount Gambier the previous day.
It was the second such surgery for McKeon as his other knee had required such an operation a few years ago.
The latest injury occurred during the third term of their August 4 win over Tantanoola at home.
Looking to Saturday, Nangwarry hosts Kongorong and it would be looking for a second win over the Hawks for 2024.
Glencoe is on the road to Port MacDonnell in another match where the outcome has no impact on the top four.
Kalangadoo 19.19 def. Kongorong 7.8
Although Kongorong kicked one of its highest scores of 2024 against the reigning premiers, the Hawks were still no match for Kalangadoo.
The 83-point margin gives the Magpies some breathing space ahead of the fifth-placed Mount Burr.
Another bonus from the victory was that it gave invaluable game time to the likes of coach Al Lyon and star forward Michael Krieger who have both missed much of 2024 with injury.
Kalangadoo has the bye in round 17 while Kongorong heads to Nangwarry.
Port MacDonnell 12.15 def. Tantanoola 10.4
Poor kicking for goal was a black mark for Port MacDonnell as it achieved a 23-point win over Tantanoola at Tigerland.
Each team had booted 13 points at the first change with the home side registering 2.1 while the visitors had a sorry return of 1.7 from their eight scoring shots.
The second term was also an even affair before the Demons set up their win with a dominant third term.
The Tigers were almost six goals in arears at three quarter time, but trimmed back the deficit in a gutsy final term display.
The leading goal scorer was seasider Christian Howlett and he maintained his average of four goals per game.
Tantanoola is away to Mount Burr in round 17 while Port MacDonnell is back at the Bay to face Glencoe.
