Officer’s bold effort at home wasn’t enough as Upwey Tecoma kept its finals hopes alive with a 12.10(82) to 14.12(96) victory in Outer East Premier Division.
The Kangaroos shook off a low-scoring start to boot six goals in the second term and flip the game on its head.
At that point, the hosts overcame a nine-point quarter-time deficit to head back to the rooms 11 points up.
However, Spencer Richards-West couldn’t be stopped, as his goal early in the third quarter sparked an onslaught for the Tigers.
They managed five of the six majors scored in the third term, including the final four of the quarter.
In the fourth, Jackson Waters slotted a goal that saw Upwey Tecoma’s goal-streak stretch into the final term, giving the visitors an 18-point cushion at that stage.
Officer retaliated fast, booting three in quick succession to bring the margin back to a single point.
Richards-West then was once again brilliant, booting his sixth for the day and taking it back to seven points.
Following that, Daniel Waters made it back-to-back crucial goals for the Tigers, but the Kangaroos still refused to go away.
Senior playing coach Nathan Allen calmly converted a set shot to bring the score to less than a kick at the 19 minute mark.
From there, Upwey Tecoma’s forward pressure closed the game perfectly and ensured the visitors would stay in front.
The Tigers kept it within their 50, scoring multiple handy behinds that pushed the margin over a goal before vice-skipper Carmine Porcaro ended it with a fantastic crumb and goal.
Allen was best-on-ground for Officer, setting the tone with 23 disposals, eight marks, four tackles and two goals.
Richards-West collected 19 possessions on top of his six-goal bag, while Porcaro booted three majors.
Brodie Snooks was also sensational for the Kangaroos, notching 31 touches and a goal.
At Don Road Sporting Complex, Emerald couldn’t keep up with Healesville, going down 12.13(85) to 4.6(30).
The Bombers fought hard and were within 22 points at halftime, but the Bloods defended hard in the second half and restricted the visitors to just one goal in that time frame.
Max Warren kicked four goals for the hosts, while Emerald got impressive showings from Ewan Wadsworth, Bailey Grose, Harvey Siwes, Patrick McKimmie, Bradley Pepi and Jake Pedder.
Gembrook Cockatoo’s impressive six weeks of football couldn’t prepare it for the barrage of goals from Mount Evelyn on Saturday.
The Rovers blasted the Brookers for a dominant 25.16(166) to 3.3(21) home win.
Star Daimon Kift went to another level, recording 38 disposals, 12 marks and five goals.
Other big goal hauls for Mount Evelyn included Matthew Gibbons with five and Daniel Chamberlain and Michael Gibbons both with four.
William Gordon was also noteworthy and posted figures of 30 possessions, six marks, 25 hitouts and a goal.
Josh Tilly’s outstanding season continued, being best afield for Gembrook Cockatoo with 35 disposals and three marks.
Monbulk’s top-four push faltered again after being comfortably knocked off by Olinda Ferny Creek 4.15(39) to 13.11(89) at home.
Lachie Taylor booted six goals for the Bloods and Matt Scharenberg had 26 touches, eight marks and a goal.
In a clash of titans at Woori Yallock Reserve, Wandin got the chocolates after a shootout with the Tigers.
Superstar forwards Taylor Gibson and Aaron Mullett went head-to-head, with both players bagging a haul of eight majors.
Fortunately for Mullett, he was supported by longtime running mate Joel Garner who once again dominated with 20 disposals and six goals.
The Bulldogs claimed their 11th straight win for 2025 with the 14.9(93) to 17.15(117) result.
