Spring weather is here, right on the eve of finals. Perfect conditions for football at all venues, and plenty to play for this week. Centrals finish the year undefeated, the Hawks bared their claws against the struggling Magpies, and a tight tough encounter at Elliston saw the Tigers ahead at the final siren. Wudinna United have qualified in 4th place and live to fight another day. The Roosters and Tigers now retire their seasons.
The Bulldogs finished the season as they started it, full of run and raining goals. This time it was the Bombers taking their turn to go to the sword. 161 points this time around. Wirrulla tried all day but didn’t have answers to the awesome ‘Dog scoring power, even without the services of Zac Fitzgerald. Leading the Bulldog best is Jake Bruce, who has finished the minor round in a blaze of glory. Can anyone hold this man as the finals come around, the Hawks are the next ‘Dog opponent and must be giving this quite some thought! Jake Sampson another great game around the middle, in great form also, Ty Habner with six goals, looking like his injury issues are in the past, his star is still rising, Jesse Stringer, good to see him back in the best lists after his own battle with a knee. Tyler Chapman five goals a dangerous forward all day and Tasman Fitzgerald with four.
The Bombers worked away, Jarden Stoetzer the best and good to have him back to his best, a true leader and inspirational. Shannon Haynes and Cody Colbung plenty of it and both will be keys in next week’s 1st semi, Yanni Kozminski productive in the ruck and Ollie Mc Callum on half back. Hard day at the office for the Bombers no doubt, but they have struck a rampaging ‘Dog outfit. They will re group quickly for the 1st semi final.
West Coast Hawks made the statement “don’t forget about us”, belting an undermanned Magpies to the tune of 129 points, the Maggies goal less in a less than inspiring lead up to their finals campaign. The Hawks run and quick ball movement too hot over the entire day, Wudinna United must address forward scoring options.
Big man Dylan Kelsh having a great day in the ruck, always hits to the Hawks advantage and mobile around the ground. Dillon Cabot getting right back to his best, speed and good disposal skills a key to his game, Mark Dolling another solid match in the midfield. Jake Mc Evoy another great game, four goals and he will be a key for the Hawks chances later in the finals. Kyle Tucker, good having him home from Adelaide, he hasn’t played much at home this year, but has the run and ball skills that will be needed later in the year also. Corey Cabot with four goals a good return from a small forward.
Wudinna United’s best led by young Sam Buckham, lighter body weight but is prepared to get to each contest, Neil Seaman again from half back, his ability to gain big yards is outstanding, Darryl Marshall as the last line of defence, Dallas Waters back pocket., half back and Matty Greatbatch in the middle all performing well.
The Hawks will now have a week’s break before another crack at Centrals. They missed Dillon and Kirk Montgomerie this week, also Derek Clarke, but will need all hands on deck in the second semi, no doubt they are casting their minds forward already
The Western Districts Tigers held off a determined Elliston in a tough physical and at time spiteful encounter. Ten points in the end, and the crowd was entertained until the end as the two sides gave their all, Elliston threatening to take the game right up to the final bell. Elliston had chances and missed a few shots that could have made the difference, and also chose the time honoured “Stand up for your mates” regime, reversing free kicks, two of which would have been their shots at goal.
Western Districts earned their win and take out a measure of pride for their efforts. Leading the best is big man Jerel Fromm, not only in the hard contest which he loves, but working hard across the ground to be an option for his team mates. Thomas Lee outstanding in the last line of defence, judging when to run on and when to hold back, he rebounded time And time again, Angus Gunn a high possession game around the wing, also good in the air, Scott Feltus either around the middle and dropping back to defence quickly, Jarad Tomney excellent on the wing and half back, Shannon Horgan plenty of it and Brodie Falciani right in the thick of the action, his three goals in the third quarter swung the game towards the Tigers and. He was never too far away from the discrepancies that arose from time to time.
Elliston tried hard all day and had some great contributors, Ross Bascomb found plenty of the ball and just works so hard, Sam Mc Connell has been a great pick up this year for the Roosters, Thomas Bascomb, either in the ruck or key positions, Liam Newton, he started the game on fire, very welcome back to the side, silky smooth with his disposal and just gets so much of the football. Luke Prior excellent at half back and Douglass Pearce mainly around the middle had great games. Brody Kenny ran hard all day and kicked a couple of majors, Adam Hurrell provided the Roosters drive all day.
Elliston has suffered so many injuries during the year but played with a pride for their club, which is clearly evident.
Mid West moves into the finals series now, with the big question, “has anyone got an answer to the rampaging Bulldogs?”
Summary results are below or see the fixtures/results/stats menu above
Last Modified on 14/08/2016 23:44