West Coast Hawks are the first entrant to the 2015 Grand Final, but not before a titanic struggle against regular finals combatant Central Eyre. Scores level at half time and the game very much in the balance, but the Hawks accelerated in the second half, seven goals to two to seal their victory. Centrals will take some heart from the game, in that they are close and maybe a few tweaks here and there may improve the outcome.
Hawks entered the match big men down, no Dylan Kelsh, Joe Danis or Steed Sutherland. Potentially creating a weakness, but in usual Hawks style, any issues were covered with work ethic and skill. The fleet footed Cameron Montgomerie leading the best and covering plenty of territory, Corey Cabot continuing his upward player ratings with another excellent game and looming as a key in the Grand Final. Hard ball winning Nathan Woolford, who has slipped well in the the Hawks outfit, Dillon Montgomerie his usual high possession and damaging self. Excellent run from half back continues to cause problems for the Hawks opposition and very hard to contain a settled backline. Dale Montgomerie a handy four goals the biggest multiple goal scorer on the ground
Centrals will be semi- pleased, they appear to have bridged some of the gaps from previous matches v Hawks, and Project 2015 is still on track. Bombers next week will command their full attention if they want set up a Grand Final rematch though. Best players are all regular contributors, Kane Sampson, either in the air, on the ground and willingness to do those extra things that win finals, led the way again. Jake Bruce will have enjoyed being back on the big stage after missing last year, and his speed and drive was fantastic, Martin Grocke, the seasoned campaigner played another blinder, Jake and Jared Sampson highly productive from the mid field and set up many forward forays.
Great game of football, fast and hard fought, the ‘Dogs still in the match well into the last quarter but not able to hold on long enough, plenty to work on though. West Coast Hawks haven’t missed a Grand Final since 2004, making this their 11th consecutive appearance. Undefeated for the year and well deserved, but they know their remains plenty of work to do yet. They will start the Grand Final as a favourite do doubt, but the Preliminary Final does have two worthy challengers!
Bombers cruised to what was a surprisingly comfortable victory in the reserves, turning around a last round loss to a 47 point win. All smiles and relief no doubt as the Preliminary final against a surging Tiger outfit will be no “walk in the park”!
Big man Craig Johnson leading the way for the Bombers, strong mark and a great target, Juilan Dickson, Rob Marshall back from A Grade duty for the day, Shaun Kelsall and Andrew Atkinson all in the best. Lynton Pym five goals and Shane Pittaway four, ensured that good midfield work didn’t go unrewarded. For the Hawks, up and coming champ Kyle Tucker led the way, Rhys Wisbey, Nathan Jones, Shaun Day and Quinn Mohi all in the best
In the colts, Magpies over ran the Hawks in a blistering second half, after a close first half. The Hawks worked hard all day but the taller Magpies ruled the air for much of the day. Knee injury to Sam Buckham a concern for coach Simon Petty, but otherwise a clean first entry to the 2015 Grand Final. Ian Jericho, Harry Petty, Hugh Walker, Fraser Douglass all in the best for Wudinna United, Jaxon Hutchison, Zeph Mohi, Callum Saunders, Jay Johns and Isaac Galliver leading the Hawks charge.
Another chance next week for the Hawks and they will enter that match confident of another crack at Wudinna United in the Grand Final
Last Modified on 04/09/2015 18:34