THE Mallee Park Peckers have sent an ominous warning to the rest of the competition leading into the finals that they are the team to beat by destroying Lincoln South by 53 points in the last minor round game at Mallee Park Oval on Saturday.
In what was billed as the match of the round it was the Peckers who literally dominated from the first bounce kicking the first eight goals of the match.
Harry Miller led the charge, setting up the first two goals from the first two centre clearances, which were finished off well by Malcolm Miller and Russell Carbine.
The Peckers were getting their hands on the ball first and using it to great effect in the windy conditions - Miller, Jackamarra and Derick Wanganeen were particularly impressive in this area.
The run and loose man game gave the Peckers the chance to use their skills and they were dynamite finding targets and with quick ball movement into the forward line this was the best football seen for many a year.
Then enter Phillip Dudley as he stamped his mark on the game, whether it be on the lead, with clever roving or soccering the ball, he found the middle of the big sticks on five occasions in a space of 15 minutes and all at the ground were gob smacked that at the 20 minute mark of the first term the Peckers had kicked eight goals to nil and the game was all over.
Lincoln South were sloppy, fumbling the ball and were getting smashed at the stoppages, in contrast the Peckers where crisp, clean and full of run.
The Eagles replied with goals to Stoetzer and two to Dunn in time-on but the damage had well and truly been done.
After a good old fashioned spray by coach Bryant at quarter time the Eagles did come out and were competitive in a low scoring term.
The Eagles had the wind advantage but butchered many opportunities going forward and the Pecker defence, led by Ky Miller, Coleman, Betts and Michael Burgoyne, mopped up and cleared the danger zone on many occasions.
Lincoln South matched it with the Peckers for the second half but the Peckers seemed content that they had done enough and had put the queue in the rack to some extent.
Malcolm Miller continued to cause headaches for the Lincoln South defence, Wanganeen, Michael Burgoyne, Ky Miller provided the run and carry, enabling the Peckers to kick four third quarter goals to the Eagles' two.
North came into the game up forward and created some opportunities early in the last; Brayden Traeger found plenty of the ball and generally used it to good effect while a Sam Kidney goal on the run from a stoppage on the half forward flank was a highlight of a dull second half.
For the Peckers Malcolm Miller was at his elusive best all day and was a great avenue to goal for the hungry Pecker midfield. Phillip Dudley with 10 goals put the icing on the cake with great reading of the play, clever body work and immaculate finishing.
Harry Miller was outstanding early, setting up the win from the centre, Dustin Pickett filled a variety of roles to good effect and Coleman and Michael Burgoyne were creative off half back.
Again Lincoln South were best served by consistant performer Castley, who had a great dual on a wing with young star Wanganeen. King and Sam Kidney were honest but this will be a game remembered for the 20 minutes of brilliance from the Peckers.
The Eagles now need to focus on a do-or-die first semi final this Saturday against Marble Range while the Peckers can freshen up and prepare for an assault on the finals series knowing they are in good form and have a great opportunity to win the premiership.
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