Defib Shop Division 2
Grand Final
Mount Lofty v Mount Barker
12:15pm Sunday 18th September, ALDI Arena
With both teams being fresh to the SAWFL there were many Grand Final debutants out on the park on Sunday. Nerves were evident for both teams early, with slippery fingers and hard hits resulting in stoppage after stoppage in the first 10 minutes. As expected, Mount Lofty drew first blood with a clever goal through Lucy Northcott. Mount Lofty then scored again through Dufek. Although Lofty had more of the play, Mount Barker were able to slot one themselves, with Bamford kicking truly late in the qtr. to close it out just one goal behind.
In the second qtr. Bamford helped Mount Barker get on the scoreboard in the first minute. Although Needs got first hands on the ball in the ruck for Lofty, Bamford's tackling created a turn over resulting in a run-on goal to Tanner. Lofty worked hard against the wind but could only manage to kick points, Dufek marking strongly but dropping short twice. Mount Barker applied plenty of pressure in Mount Lofty's forward 50 to ensure no easy shots on goal. Neither team kicked a major for the remainder of the half.
The third qtr. saw Mount Barker take advantage of the wind and kick the ball long into the forward line. Robertson, although outnumbered, was able to win contests again and again and soon broke through for a major. Northcott and Ellen Maple stood up for Lofty around the ground and tried to make something happen, but Barker kept up the pressure and were able to turn the ball over time and time again. A sharp tackle and neat finish from Lauren Taylor saw Mount Barker pull away to an 11 point lead going into the last.
With nothing to lose and trailing in the last, Mount Lofty found some form. They were able to move the ball more freely and, due to some clever body work by Tess Maple, managed to get into their forward 50 early. Dufek slotted a nice goal and gave Lofty a real chance to run Barker down. To their credit Mount Barker steadied and kept the heat turned up high on Lofty. Soon the space was shut down and, despite some great runs from Collins off the half back, Mount Lofty were unable to open the game back up. Barker ran out the game and took home the premiership cup 7 points clear of Mount Lofty.
Goals:
Mount Lofty: M. Dufek 2, L. Northcott
Mount Barker: L. Taylor, C. Bamford, A. Tanner, T. Robertson
Best:
Mount Lofty: M. Dufek, J. Baltais, N. Matulick, E. Dawes, A. Casbolt , G. Collins
Mount Barker: B. Jackson, C. Matheson, T. Robertson, S. Quintrell, M. Chaplin, C. Bamford
Last Modified on 26/09/2016 16:22
