GVL | Euroa claims narrow win in classic High Country clash

In front of a packed crowd at Mansfield, dominated by blustery and overcast conditions, the latest chapter in the rivalry between Euroa and Mansfield was a classic contest — one that featured see-sawing momentum swings, highlight reel goals and sublime individual performances.

Euroa star recruit and former junior Will Hayes was a clear standout with 31 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight tackles, 10 score involvements and three crucial goals.

Mansfield gun forward Cam Arnold looked to single-handedly win the game off his own leg for the Eagles with four majors, while livewire Sam Thomson had 11 touches and kicked three goals — including one piece of wizardry on the boundary line during Mansfield’s fourth-quarter fightback.

“It was a really gutsy win from the boys,” Rowan said.

“We were one down early on in the game with a key target out injured and it was nice to hang on in the end.

“We knew we probably needed one more goal and we floated the idea of putting one back when the margin was two points.

“We got a couple of lucky breaks and the mids did a fantastic job all day and got a couple of clearances out and when we got up by eight points we were quick to put one back.”

The game was evenly poised halfway through the third term, but Euroa’s blistering run of four goals gave the visitor a comfortable 29-point buffer at the final break.

Hayes and star talent Jett Trotter, who saw more midfield minutes, booted two goals each as the Magpies’ midfield brigade got on top to win the tackle count (14-7), clearances (11-10) and pressure acts (8-3).

The ruck battle was a fascinating duel, one that had Mansfield’s Tom McDonash (46 hit-outs) and Euroa’s Andrew Smith (43) go toe-to-toe.

Smith was judged best-afield for the Magpies with his 14 disposals, eight score involvements and six clearance game.

But it was Hayes’ display, one that gave onlookers a glimpse into how important the ex-AFL talent will be for the Magpies in 2023, that captured the eye.

“It was a really solid start from Will,” Rowan said.

“The best thing with Will is the finish, you know he’s going to give you everything, win the footy and give you first use, but he kicked two in that third quarter, two really nice goals, so for him to provide some finishes like that is going to be really important for us.”

Mansfield coach Chad Owens was dismayed with his side’s overall performance in the loss.

“I was disappointed with how we played to be honest,” Owens said.

“In 12 minutes it cost us eight goals; four in the first quarter and four to finish off the third quarter. Five 50m penalties for five goals. I’m just really disappointed.

“Really disappointing in how we used the ball as well. We didn’t take the game on enough, we went into our shells, didn’t help defend and didn’t put them under enough pressure.

“We had patches (of good footy) don’t get me wrong, but you don’t win games of footy playing in patches.”

The Eagles’ mentor did praise the efforts of Arnold, Thomson’s “roles across half-forward” and debutant Ben Les.

The win was soured for Euroa with key-forward Tristan Davies ending the game on crutches.

Davies suffered an ankle injury in the opening quarter and did not play out the remainder of the match.

“Yeah it’s looking pretty serious,” Rowan said.

“He’s a physio, so he’ll no doubt know what’s best to do now and he’ll get it looked at during the week.”