Thankyou to Ian and Dianne Penna for pictures from the match-:
1. Ryan Samspon and Jason Matthews contest a mark
2. This time Bill Bascomb and Ryan Sampson dispute a ball in the air
3. Ruck Duel - Jason Matthew and Tim Polkinghorne. Awaiting are Andrew Mc Leod, Aaron Castley (4), and Lachlan Heath. Lachlan made a welcome return for the 'dogs, but left the ground early after receiving a hard knock
4. Rucks at it again, this time James (Jimmy) Bascomb and Tim Polkinghorne. Ready to go are John Mc Beath , Kane Sampson (23) coming in from the wing and Jake Bruce. Umpire is Eastern Eyre's Bronte Kenchington
More Photos follow below
The Bulldogs appeared to play the game on their own terms for most of the day, however ended up only just scraping home in an entertaining Preliminary Final at Warramboo. Elliston just would not go away, in fact if not for a few undisciplined acts giving away crucial goals over the day, could well be playing next week.
While the Bulldog camp will be justafiably happy with the outcome, souring the day is a continued wretched run on the injury front, the Trainers Room in for yet another busy week. Jake Bruce needed to be aided from the ground seven minutes into the second quarter when he again pulled his hamstring chasing Tom Rumbelow out of the mid field. Lachlan Heath coming off the oval after a heavy bump on the wing, Clint Winter hobbling with what appears to be an ankle injury, and Shaun Murphy also going down after a heavy clash. On top of this Martin Grocke was a withdrawal unable to come up after last week.
The Roosters also lost key big man Andrew McLeod early in the match, hobbling from trhe oval and taking no further part.
Conditions were warm with a contant breeze worth a couple of goals slightly favoring the southern goals. Elliston had first use but Central held sway kicking three goals to one in an excellent start. Keeping the ball alive and moving, Centrals went on with it in the second quarter, six goals to three, and at that point really threatening to rout the Roosters, who just could find regular avenues to goal.
Things changed in the second half, Elliston started to find the ball in space and hit targets, using the available breeze to their advantage and pegging back the Bulldog lead to a managable level. 19 points down at three quarter time, injuries atarting to wear the Bulldogs and a huge comeback was very much on the cards. Early in the last quarter, Elliston drew to within eight points, only to see Centrals kick three unanswered goals. Not to be outdone, the Roosters kicked three goals in the last eight minutes of the match, keeping their hopes alive to the very end.
Both sides had some wondeful performers on the day. Aaron Castley will be treated for leather poisoning, he had so much of it and immaculate left and right of his body. Matthew Williams and Adam Hurrell are all class, use of the ball under pressure and the speed to make space for themselves, Ben Hurrell was great at Centre Half Forward, a go to all day, Kane Tiller and Jack Carter fantastic in defence. Rob Pickett spent time forward to great effect, in fact he was instrumental in the late match comeback that so nearly snared a Rooster victory. James Bascomb was great in the ruck along with Jake Matthew who used his leg speed to advantage. Adam Green and Tom Rumbelow played well throughout.
Jared Sampson really led from the front, particularly important when Jake Bruce left the ground. Jared's disposal skill and poise in pressure moments was so important in the match winning lead that the Bulldogs created. Ty Mc Kenna held sway from Centre Half Back, an intense tussle with Ben Hurrell, Ty propelled his side forward often, also holding up plenty of promising Rooster attacks. Kane Sampson enjoyed some freedom on the wing, and probably was allowed to have too much influence if Roosters were to win. Micah Van Loon's pace was spectacular and Wade O Brien, the number one go to player on the ground, finishing with five in a great day out. Tyler Chapman was very welcome back, his first half in particular underlined why he is such an important cog in the Bulldog machine. Ryan Sampson and John McBeath both spent quality time on the ball and Hayden Heath performed well up forward.
Time for the Bulldogs to pause and enjoy the moment, they richly deserve their spot in the Grand Final, very hard earned in the end. A fit and confident Hawks team await them.
Reserves
Wudinna United probably pulled off what was a minor upset in running all over the West Coast Hawks. The Magpies only real issue was in accuracy in front of goals which kept the Hawks in the match longer than the balance of play indicated. Seven players into the side for the Hawks from last week maybe upset some stability but on paper this game appeared a very good match up.
The Magpies won the ball from centre and had runners everywhere willing to work and help each other. Big Tom DuBois probably best afield, both in the air and on the ground. Nigel Oswald, Ryan Cummings and Zane Petty had plenty of the footy around the midfield, Stefan Wilkins a prime target forward. Scott Wiiliams and Kym Tree both carrying on with their great form,
Veteran Dion Trezona's efforts were excellent for the Hawks, he tried his heart out all day, taking plenty of knocks while winning contests and sending his side forward. Simon Tucker is clever and remains an outstanding on field leader. Kyle Tucker backed up a great performance in the colts, while Eric Elliott and Rob Miller played big four quarter games.
The Maggies will have quite a challenge next week against the Bombers, but are not without a chance if they can retain this type of game style.
Colts
The West Coast Hawks booked their place in the Grand Final with a convincing display of hard running football against the smaller Central side. Kyle Tucker in the midfield was outstanding, Harmon Baldock, starting in defense used his speed to advantage and appreciated a move down the ground finding space and the ball. Daniel Lee controlled the ball well and Noah Legovini stood out, perhaps in a more unaccustomed defensive role for much of the day. Ikale Godwin and Harry Goosay others high up in the best.
Bulldogs Kane Grocke and Connor Dowden tried hard all day, both strong and determined, Brendon North worked around the ground and took some great high marks. Mac Heath leg speed and ability to weave away from contests stood out, Corey Waters and Tynan Sampson both good. Joe O Brien did well at key forward roles and continues to impress.
The Hawks go on the Grand Final against the Magpies and will know that their best football is good enough.
Next week all eyes to Wudinna for the Grand Finals
Last Modified on 15/09/2014 23:07