A last-second goal from CJ Milward kept Pinjarra's undefeated streak alive as they overcame an exemplary effort from a commendable South Mandurah outfit at Sir Ross McLarty Oval on Saturday night.
The winless Falcons put in their greatest performance of the season pushing the unbeaten Tigers to the limits, but a set shot goal from Milward as time ran down saw the home side pinch an enthralling 11.9 (75) to 9.15 (69) victory.
The match proved a captivating one from start to finish, with the Falcons staking their claim to an upset win as skipper Brad Holmes booted the first goal.
The additions of brothers Lachlan and Jaydon Cullen (who returned to the Falcons during Peel Thunder's bye in the WAFL) proved a huge boost at both ends for Souths, while Jack Shanahan led their midfield assault.
However it was Pinjarra snaring the next two through Nick Merritt and Milward, before Holmes and Lachlan Cullen gave the visitors the quarter time lead.
The second quarter belonged to the Tigers, though, with Lloyd Beever and Dean Miller firing on all cylinders as they piled on five goals to South Mandurah's zip.
Milward slotted two of those majors coming as the final pair of goals for the half, while the Falcons' inaccuracy landed them a four-goal deficit at the long break.
Pinjarra had momentum coming out of half time, but South Mandurah refused to drop their heads and jagged the first major through a magnificent checkside from Darryn Westcott.
Brody Wemm also put in a stellar performance for the Falcons, and he was able to cut the lead to 13 points after converting the set shot earned from taking a spectacular contested grab.
Goals to Brett Milward and Brock O'Brien threatened to blow the game out again as Pinjarra swiftly moved to a four-goal buffer, but Holmes and Wemm had the response that dragged South Mandurah within two goals at the final change.
From there a chaotic final quarter ensued, starting with a goal to Wemm to bring the Falcons within a straight kick after he was awarded a free kick for being legged.
South Mandurah had all the momentum when Rhys Price blazed through a pack to pick the ball up at full tilt, delivering it straight to Holmes' chest for a shot on goal that would eventually give the underdogs a one point lead late in the game.
Pinjarra would enter their 50m arch on the next possession forcing a rushed behind that would tie the scores up with less than a minute on the clock.
Eventually, it was CJ Milward finding himself in front of goal with just seconds remaining, and he was able to wind the clock down before splitting the middle for the match-winner.
The result was a heartbreaking one for the valiant Falcons, who now slip to 0-5 while the Tigers move to 5-0.
Goals
Pinjarra
C. Milward 4, B. Milward 3, B. O''Brien 2, N. Merritt, C. Brough
South Mandurah
B. Holmes 4, B. Wemm 3, L. Cullen, D. Westcott
Best
Pinjarra
D. Miller, C. Milward, L. Beever, B. Milward, S. Martin, J. Kearing
South Mandurah
K. Armstrong, J. Shanahan , B. Wemm, J. Cullen, D. Westcott
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
