MDFL Round Five: Tatyoon defeat reigning premiers Great Western | Photos

The Hawks narrowly defeated the Lions 15.13 (103) - 13.7 (85) in a game that involved many subplots.

It initially seemed the match was headed in a different direction, as Great Western ended the first quarter leading 5.2 (32) - 0.0 (0).

Tatyoon coach Jarrod Blandford said this unfavourable start was primarily due to conditions rather than Hawks' performance.

"There was a bit of a breeze in the first quarter. It was probably a four or five-goal breeze towards that end," he said.

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Tatyoon's second-quarter performance added credence to this theory, as the teams finished the first half level on 7.4 (46) - 7.4 (46).

Early in the fourth quarter, a Sam Cocks goal gave Great Western a three-point lead, but Steven Nicholson then kicked two consecutive goals for Tatyoon as the Hawks began to establish a lead they would hold until the end.

Blandford said he was pleased to get the win over quality opposition.

"They've (Great Western) been the yardstick over the past couple of years, that's for sure," he said.

"We always knew it was going to be a tough contest, so it was good to see our boys match them."

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Blandford said now the season was five rounds in Tatyoon had a slightly better idea of what they could achieve in 2021.

"Definitely our aim is to finish in the top three to give ourselves a second chance and go forward from there," he said.

Woorndoo Mortlake will likely be among the prime contenders for a top-three spot on the ladder.

The Tigers are the only other team to remain unbeaten and sit on top of the table courtesy of a superior percentage.

They improved upon their percentage on Saturday, May 15, with a 37.21 (243) - 3.4 (22) win against Hawkesdale Macarthur.

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Grant Cameron was among the main beneficiaries of Hawkesdale Macarthur's woes, kicking 11 goals. Jordon Buckley and James Templeton also kicked eight and seven, respectively.

Yet Woorndoo Mortlake will have a more difficult time maintaining their unbeaten record in round six as they travel north to face Great Western.

Fortune continues to evade the Ararat Eagles, who suffered their third defeat of fewer than 10 points this season, as Glenthompson Dunkeld won 7.13 (55) - 6.10 (46).

SMW Rovers won by a similarly narrow margin against Penshurst to claim their first win of the season.

Penshurst gave a much-improved performance in the second half, but SMW Rovers stayed composed to claim 11.10 (76) - 9.12 (66).

Lismore Derrinallum overcame Moyston Willaura 15.15 (105) - 8.13 (61) following an exceptional final quarter.

Moyston Willaura led 8.12 (60) - 6.11 (47) at three-quarter time. However, Lismore Derrinallum more than doubled their score before the final siren sounded.

Moyston Willaura will seek a better outcome against Ararat Eagles on Saturday, May 22.

Elsewhere, Wickliffe Lake Bolac got their first win of the season, defeating Caramut 28.19 (187) - 8.5 (53).

Round six fixtures:

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