by Nicholas Duck
Warragul's thirds managed to eke out a tough two-point win in a low-scoring encounter with Maffra.
Saturday's grand final replay proved that adage of the best offence being good defence as just six goals were kicked across the day by the two teams.
Having trailed for the entire day it took a late goal from Rory Nettle to give the Gulls the lead and ultimately the win 3.7 (25) to 3.5 (23).
Footy's a cruel game sometimes and never was it more evident than the Eagles having been in front for all but a few minutes and still losing.
Two of the Gulls' three goals came in the final term with William MacLean the other contributor to the home side's comeback.
The win sees Warragul arrest a two game losing streak as they currently sit in third on the ladder.
Their best were Ty Ward, Cameron Thompson, Levi Moore, William MacLean, Tom Logan and Noah McDonald.
In the other thirds match Traralgon destroyed Wonthaggi 15.14 (104) to 5.2 (32).
Warragul's fourths were unable to take advantage of some accuracy woes from Maffra as they were defeated by four points despite kicking more goals.
With scores locked up at 49 apiece at three quarter time neither team could find the big sticks in the swirling breeze, forcing the Gulls to settle for an 8.4 (52) to 7.14 (56) loss.
Maffra could have had the day sewn up much earlier if not for their inability to make their chances count.
While the door was left ajar for the home side, they too couldn't quite take their own opportunities to steal a win.
That was despite the best efforts of Fraser Aubrey, whose five goals very nearly got the Gulls over the line.
Aubrey was best on for Warragul, followed by Bailey Sheehan, Jake Boote, Jude Vilcins, Bill De Araugo (two goals) and Jordy Winduss.
In a unique bit of history, Aubrey and De Araugo now sit at second and first in the league goalkicking respectively – for this week, at least.
In the other fourths match Traralgon annihilated Wonthaggi 22.20 (152) to 1.2 (8).
Warragul's reserves were outclassed by Maffra 3.3 (21) to 15.10 (100).
The effort was there for the Gulls despite the gulf in class, Warragul's scoring woes again the main issue as they struggled to get reward for effort.
Jack Casson, Bailey Rainford, Scott Kelly, Daniel Ridgway, Dane Hammond and Lachlan Miller fought the good fight.
In the other reserves match Traralgon defeated Wonthaggi 10.11 (71) to 2.1 (13).