Thomas Davies and Lancaster ran past Nathan O’Reilly and Stanhope in round 18. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
While the minor premiership ended up being just out of its reach, Lancaster put in a dominant display in round 18 of Kyabram District League football against Stanhope to enter the finals as a serious flag threat.
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The Wombats hosted the Lions at Lancaster Recreation Reserve, with Stanhope falling two games shy of a finals berth this season after a string of injuries, including a broken hand to star Jonathan Pearson.
Motivation and desire to play among some of Stanhope’s players had dwindled, with four players on Saturday playing in both the seniors and reserves matches.
Zaid Besim goes over the top of Stuart Trevena for the mark.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The Lions kicked their first and only goal in the first quarter, courtesy of Jye Patten, as Lancaster ran rampant with five majors to start its day.
While Stanhope was unable to impact the scoreboard in the second period, the Wombats remained steady, adding 4.3 to their tally by half-time.
Oliver Silk gets ball to boot under pressure from Charlie McLay.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
The third term produced a single behind for the Lions, while Lancaster banged on five more to extend the lead towards triple digits.
In the final term, Lancaster had its most productive period of attacking play with eight maximums, while Stanhope was once again held scoreless, finishing its season with a 1.1 (7) to 22.15 (147) defeat.
Noah Sewell slots it.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
The Wombats’ Morrie Serra was the star of the show in round 18, earning best-on-ground honours after kicking a 10-goal bag.
Stanhope co-coach Tom Hepburn reflected on the game and highlighted the lack of personnel due to injury being the main culprit for the round 18 result and missing finals.
Morrie Serra kicked 10 goals in the contest.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“It was a bit disappointing, we limped to the end, we had six or seven season-ending injuries this season so that makes things difficult,” he said.
“We had four players double up from the reserves, which never really happens at Stanhope, but it was the only way we could get a team together.
Daniel Foley finds his target.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
“It’s the second year in a row we were unlucky to miss finals. I know you can’t blame the draw, but we did play the top two teams last year and this year twice.
“There’s been a good feeling around the club this season, we just ran out of cattle towards the end of the season, it just gets a bit hard when you’re taking players out of the reserves.
“The numbers dropped off a bit and the motivation in the team was lost, and you can see that in the scores in the end.”
Josh Bruce looks for his man from the wing.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
Hepburn revealed that he would not be taking the reins of the senior side in 2026 but said he’d still be around the club and willing to help out whenever he could.
“While I won’t be coaching next year, I’ll still be around the club and involved, it’s just a lot to take on especially with a young family,” he said.
Oliver Silk holds a low mark.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“Alec (Young) and I have said we’ll help out, I’m more than happy to do just about anything to help the team and the club, I just can’t commit to being the coach.
“All in all it’s been a good year at the club, it got a bit down at some stages when the injuries came but outside that it’s onwards and upwards from here.”
While Stanhope’s season has come to an end, Lancaster will get a well-earned rest in the first weekend of finals owing to its top-two finish and will battle Murchison-Toolamba at Longwood Recreation Reserve in the first semi-final on Saturday, August 30 for a place in the grand final.
