The Bulldogs have won their way through to the Grand Final in both the League and Reserves competition, with the West Coast Hawks through in the colts. All of these sides ladder leaders at the end of the minor round, so a just reward for big season’s. Still work to do no doubt, but a week’s rest and recuperation ready for the big dance.
Central Eyre won the A Grade by 44 points, but probably better described as four goals/ 20 points. The Hawks chipped away and looked like catching the wayward Bulldogs at various points, but unable to match the forward capability of the ‘dogs. Mission accomplished yes, but the ‘dog faithful still having memories of the 2012 Preliminary Final disaster at this very venue, nine goal / 30 that day and end of the line as the Roosters capitalised and went on from there. As this match went on, the nagging memory threatened to repeat itself if only the Hawks could get a burst such as the Roosters did that fateful day. Happily for the ‘dogs, this time they prevailed.
No Dale Montgomerie a huge blow for the Hawks, but the return of Derek Clarke, Dillon Montgomerie and Kirk Montgomerie very welcome. Cant help but think that with all these changes, another match wont hurt the Hawks chances, if they can get through next week!
Jake Bruce leading the best again, the Mail Medallist is in scintillating form, his run and pin point accuracy is so damaging, Lachlan Heath either from half back with power run and also around the centreline, Keenan Bury in and under, Tommy Freeth roaming across half back, equally as strong in the air and off the ground, Ty Mc Kenna also another in great form, heroics in last year’s Grand Final, so will be very keen to repeat the dose this year. Tasman and Zac Fitzgerald both dangerous forward, missing a few shots at goal, but had plenty of mates. Jesse Stringer had an enforced rest on the pine for an indiscretion in the first quarter, but the Hawks couldn’t take much toll for the man down.
Leading the Hawks best is Dylan Kelsh, another great game in the ruck and so mobile. Derick Freeman the ever reliable rock in defence, beautiful judgement, and gets all the big jobs, Dillon Montgomerie, welcome back to the engine room, along with Mark Dolling creating drive for their team, and the usual high productivity of Jake Mc Evoy. Aiden Whitford also good, mainly from half back which is perhaps not an accustomed position, and Nathan Johnson with on ball time. The Hawks really don’t enjoy the smaller oval, but showed enough to remind everyone that they are very much still in the 2016 premiership race.
So the Hawks head to Bomberland booking a date with their old neighbour. Nothing is guaranteed other than the Bombers are waiting!
The Bulldogs made it two in the Grand Final with a hard fought four point win over the unlucky Bombers. This is the second consecutive match that the ‘dogs have accounted for the Bombers by that margin. A see-sawing match all day, and the Bulldogs down by a point at ¾ time, four goals to three in the last quarter sealing the win, but Wirrulla will also rue missed shots at goal.
Seasoned veteran Jamie Tomney leading the best for Centrals, a former Elliston premiership player, so enjoyed the visit to his old territory, Jason Phillips, Adam Murphy, Daniel Kwaterski and Jeff Bigg in the best, Kez Cummings booting three goals. The Bombers best was Mark Binder, hard at it player, will he be available for the Bombers for the Preliminary, suspect that A Grade duty will be called! Others include Sam Devlin, Jai Holmes, Callan Roe and Jack Evans. The sad loss of club legend Sharkey Kelsh will have been a diversion at Wirrulla late this week, but expect a big Preliminary Final effort for the Big Fella!
Wirrulla take on the rampaging Hawks also in the Reserves next week, both sides have their A Grades in action so a true test of the club depth.
West Coast Hawks won their way through to the Colts grand final with a convincing 58 point win over the Elliston Roosters. Elliston acquitted themselves extremely well however, some smaller bodies but big hearts!
For the winners, Harmyn Baldock’s speed and ability to clear lines was telling all day, Jaxon Hutchison, Jett Brooks, Jacob Baldock, Dion Galliver and Ikale Godwin all in the best. Seven goals from Zak Lovegrove a great return in a final, Zak has had a big season, also representing Eyre Peninsula in the under 15s
The Roosters battled away bravely, Gorn Tree leading the best, quick hands and great ability to make decisions under pressure, Oska Richards, Nathan Phillips, Matthew Reeves and Rory Kelsh all in the best. Gorn’s two goals the highest scorer.
Elliston will now challenge the surging Bulldogs for the remaining Grand Final berth. The Bulldogs have finished the season full of run, with some returning college players, will be quite a threat to the Roosters.
Results are below in summary or please see the Fixtures/Results/ Stats Menu above for more detail
Last Modified on 30/08/2016 13:12