Coming into the clash, the Cats were eager to build up some momentum after a 18-point victory over Benalla in the previous week made it three wins out of four in the past month.
Clearly, the hosts had no designs on letting their recent positive form slip as they defeating the Bulldogs 11.14 (80) to 7.5 (47) at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve on June 27.
Continuing the momentum that has them firmly in the finals conversation, they currently sit in eighth place in the GVL ladder, level on points with Kyabram, Shepparton United and Rochester - albeit with an inferior percentage.
The home side laid the foundations early versus Tatura, booting 2.3 to 1.0 in the opening term before taking complete control in the second quarter.
Mooroopna piled on 4.4 to Tatura’s 1.2 before half-time to establish a commanding 29-point advantage at the main break.
Any hopes of a Bulldogs comeback were effectively ended when the Cats maintained their pressure after the interval.
While Tatura won the third quarter by a solitary point, Mooroopna responded with a four-goal final term to run out comfortable winners.
Harrison Bell was the standout forward for the Cats with three goals, while William Emanuelli, Jack Osborne and Noah Williams each finished with two majors in a balanced attacking display.
Meanwhile, Dan Tuddenham added one goal, with Will Wood also hitting the scoreboard.
Mooroopna’s ability to generate scoring opportunities proved the difference, registering 25 scoring shots to Tatura’s 12.
Although the Cats were wasteful in front of goal at times, their dominance through the middle of the game ensured the Bulldogs were always chasing - a fact not lost on Mooroopna coach John Lamont.
“We were inaccurate in front of goal at times, which was costly but I’ve got to admit, I was quite impressed with Tatura,” he admitted.
“They kicked the first goal of the game and controlled the momentum early so we had to wrestle that back, so you’ve got to give them credit without doubt.”
Tatura showed spirit in the second half and matched Mooroopna with 3.2 in the final quarter, as Lamont alludes to, but the damage had already been done after the Cats’ blistering second term.
“We missed some opportunities at times to create a real strong buffer in the game and then at the beginning of the third quarter, they came out really switched on.
“They played well and we needed to wrestle some momentum back - so overall it was a pleasing result but I was impressed with how Tatura went about things.
“The maturity we showed at times, for a young group, was pleasing enough.”
He earmarked youngster Bell for his showing in what was his first senior outing of 2026 - as he tallied up three strikes.
“It was a very good start by him, he adds another real string to our bow,” Lamont said.
“It’s always hard to come in when you’ve missed out through injury and everyone else has had three months of footy - but he did well and was really positive throughout.”
The victory keeps Mooroopna’s finals hopes alive as the race for the top six intensifies, with an intriguing match-up with the Shepp Swans to come away at Princess Park next week.
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