This match was being held in memory and honour of a legend of both clubs – David ‘Buck’ McPhee, an immensely popular figure within both clubs and an ambassador for Masters footy who sadly passed away in 2020.
As an indication of the respect ‘Buck’ had earnt within the league, many Victorian Country League players from around the state turned up to honour David to compete in an over-50s curtain-raiser, which was played in true Masters spirit.
For the main game, both squads were blessed with at least 30 players each to choose from, and the sight before the opening bounce of all players from both sides locked arm-in-arm for a minute’s silence was an emotional and powerful tribute to the man known as ‘Buck’.
From the opening bounce it was evident both sides were on as the pressure was high.
Slick ball movement from the centre from new EMUs playing-coach Lucas Walker down into the forward 50 led to an opening goal from John ‘Hollywood’ Smythe.
From then on the first quarter (of six to be played) was an even tussle, back and forth from either end.
Peter ‘Paintball’ Spencer and first-gamer Clint ‘Slowey’ Jurey thwarted several Giants attacks on goal and Wayne ‘Roo’ Muschialli made many early clearances from the backline.
Star midfielder Chris Hagan started from where he left off in his 2019 best-and-fairest season with blistering bursts from the centre to create scoring chances.
Veterans Bruce ‘Jonesy’ McCahon, ‘Nifty’ Neville Green and Kevin ‘Yabbie’ Pascoe were lively inside the forward 50 with a goal each in the opening term.
Tall forward Olivier Oranje finished off the term with a strong mark to boot through the EMUs’ fifth.
The evenness of the game continued throughout the next three quarters, with scores alternating between both ends and the strong winds causing havoc with the ball.
Ash ‘Fish’ Mozza and James ‘Boo Boo’ Walshe were proactive around the ball, feeding off some excellent and tireless ruck work from the EMUs tall-timber duo of Duane ‘Stretch’ Kelly and first-gamer Dave ‘Disco’ Keillor.
Other debutants Ash ‘Snags’ Smidge and Robert ‘2-Bob’ Jacobson provided some impressive dash off half-back and around the forward line respectively, the latter booting through a much-needed late goal to keep in touch with the Giants, who had gained a slight advantage to that point.
The fifth quarter began with a goal-of-the-day contender from Troy ‘Black Eye’ Arlow, a quick snap from the right-pocket.
This was the beginning of a flurry of goals to the EMUs, with goals to Hagan, new captain and BOG Damien ‘Damo’ Hammond and Jared ‘Johnno’ Johnson and Walker after some glorious tap work from key forward Adam Richter.
This surge was aided by the on-ball efforts of Jeff ‘Jeffa’ Abela, Michael ‘Bobby Rock’ O’Connor’s pace along the wing and Glenn ‘Muzza’ Murrell’s solid defensive work in the backline.
On a sour note for the EMUs, utility Paul ‘Junior’ Lavars had to come off with a leg injury after providing many goal scoring opportunities from half-forward.
By the final stanza the contest was neck-and-neck, with both teams competitive and not giving an inch.
Neither team would concede goals until the final few minutes of the match, when with the scores level the Giants scored a goal to put them six points up.
With only one minute left, the ball went back to the centre and big Justin Voss, now in the ruck, was able to get the ball down to another new-comer Tim ‘Mini-Me’ Grey.
'Mini-Me’ sent the ball straight into the forward 50 to be marked by Matt ‘Butts’ Hawken, 40 metres out from goal.
With the pressure of the match on his shoulders, ‘Butts’ kicked truly and again levelled the scores.
The ball returned to the centre again but with both teams desperate to not concede any score, the ball was locked in the middle until the final siren sounded, ending the game in a draw.
After a day when emotions ran high and a tough contest was fought, this seemed to be the most fitting result, which would’ve had Buck smiling down on these players from both teams for honouring his memory in such strong fashion.
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