by Rob Popplestone
After brutal past matches, the expectation for preliminary final between Fish Creek and Thorpdale was expected to be intense and physical.
Mid Gippsland footy followers expected one in which only the strong and courageous would survive two hours of "no second chance" football.
For the winner stood the opportunity to take part in the grand final, which in itself might well be the most memorable match some might play in for their whole careers.

However, what unfolded was unfortunately not what was scripted, with a