2016 season reaches its final week with the Grand Final combatants settled. West Coast Hawks have booked a rematch with Central Eyre after comfortably accounting for Wirrulla. The Bombers turned the tables in the Reserves, earning the opportunity to challenge for a “threepeat” of premierships, and the Bulldogs won their way into the Colts Grand Final after a three goal win against an inaccurate Roosters.
West Coast Hawks lived up to their pre match favouritism with a 70 point win against the Bombers. The Hawks won every quarter, with Wirrulla not having any answers to the play on style so synonymous with the Hawks over the years.
A five goal quarter time lead called for a big effort with the breeze by the Bombers, but they couldn’t make any inroads. Hawks happy with the win but only part way up the premiership mountain, as will need to repeat the speed and precision ball movement this week in the Grand Final.
Dale Montgomerie, with his flowing locks gone, a livewire up forward all day, five goals and his game sense critical, Dylan Kelsh leading the best in the ruck again, has finished the season in wonderful form after his first half of the year in Port Lincoln with brother Reece, his presence has paid big dividends of the Hawks. Jake Mc Evoy with his customary speed and exquisite skill, Dillon Montgomerie in and under, Nick Schumann’s hard run and work ethic, and Scott Montgomerie, excellent in defence all day.
Jarden Stoetzer leading the way for the Bombers, a big hearted big man, great in the air and equally so off the ground, his leadership is outstanding, Ollie Mc Cullam a rebounding defender, hard worker, Joe Pedler a key target and great kick, Mark Binder reliable as he has been all year and Daniel Swaffer stern in defence. Ryan Watson knocked up possessions and tried his heart out.
Too many turnovers for the Bombers under the Hawks pressure, and just not able to make the Hawks pay for the fewer turnovers offered to them. Nevertheless Wirrulla have enjoyed a great season, maybe disappointed not to be closer in this one but certainly have showed that they can mix it with anyone on their day. For the Hawks, their dream lives on, a chance to atone for last year’s grand final loss and experienced enough to know that the pressure is far greater on the Bulldogs who enter the match undefeated.
Wirrulla took out the Reserves match, again a larger margin than was expected, 73 points. Bombers kicked clear in the second half, only being nine points up at half time and the match well in the balance. Maybe the only issue being some wayward goal kicking, but a second half dominance that will see them enter the Grand Final with confidence.
Leading the Bomber best, Callan Roe. Fit and ability to cover the ground, four good quarters, Jack Kelsh enjoyed plenty of it, Tyron Fox, the old finals campaigner at it again, love the big stage, and Craig Johnson, contested marking ability so important in these finals games. Three goals from he, Dion Pittaway and Tyron Fox good returns, all veterans and poised in the higher pressure of finals.
The Hawks best Shaun Day, past premiership player in the A Grade his skills and ball disposal is excellent, younger brigade Declan Edmonds and Ikale Godwin also good with their run and agility, Declan also leading the Hawks scoring with two goals.
Interesting result given the Hawks had taken all before them in the final round and 1st Semi, including a win against the Bomber in that time, but finals experience means so much. Good finish to the year for the Hawks, and Wirrulla must rate their chances highly in the Grand Final, no A Grade next week and prior matches against the ‘dogs only very narrow losses.
Central Eyre turned the tables on Elliston in the colts to win by three goals, but hard fought. The ‘dog held sway all day, Roosters charging home in the last quarter with the wind, but inaccuracy costing them. Classy performance by the young Bulldogs however, working well as a team when the game needed to be won and then holding on against the rising red tide in the last quarter.
Central’s best Mac Heath, a very welcome return from college, and his sheer speed and energy wining the ball forward so often, Corey Waters as he has done all year, setting up team mates and getting first ball from the centre, Joe O Brien, originally in doubt due to injury, but played with his usual poise and presence, Harley Mc Cormick again high in the best, love the tough finals pressure and will be a key next week. Chandler May a great target forward, two goals and feeds the ball out well.
The Roosters stumbled with late season injury and player loss, but should feel very proud of their season, and they competed to the very end. Matthew Reeves leading their best, a terrific season and high in the best every week, brings others into the game and leads from the front, Oska Richards a reliable player all season and ability to play anywhere, Gorn Tree, highly skilled, dangerous in the midfield and around the goals, Rory Kelsh and Harvey Fleming both having big games on the big stage.
Centrals have made it three teams in three Grand Finals, which is quite a club achievement, they will look forward to next week with renewed confidence against the high flying Hawks.
The summary results are here or check the fixtures/ results / stats menu for greater detail.
Last Modified on 04/09/2016 22:40