By BRETT STUBBS
But Vic Country -- the championship favourites after already defeating Vic Metro -- kicked the final three goals of the quarter, then steamrolled Tasmania in the last to win by 14 points, 12.13 (85) to 10.11 (71). ``I was practising my backstroke, my breaststroke, everything,'' Hyde said of the third term. ``Tassie were terrific, they were really brave and outplayed us for two and a bit quarters. ``Knowing they just faded a little bit last week [against the NT], and we got the last couple of goals in the third quarter, I said to them if you run we might be a chance because they might not be as fit as us and maybe that is what got us over the line in the end.'' Prospective No. 1 draft pick, Gippsland tall forward John Butcher, was dangerous up forward but did not have his kicking boots on with 2.5 from seven marks, including three contested. Koby Stevens (22 touches) and Andrew Hooper (25) were instrumental in the victor's second-half comeback. Tasmanian coach Manny Lynch was full of praise for his side, especially after losing captain and key onballer Bradley Symmons in the first quarter. ``The group that came here and the coaching staff really believed we had a chance,'' Lynch said. ``We knew that and we were really keen to put that into play and send the message that favouritism is a historical thing that doesn't account for the next two hours. ``I think it was talent in the end that just shone through. We are battling out of our weight and generally we did everything we could.'' Playing off half back, Marcus Davies was outstanding for Tasmania with 25 touches while co-captain Luke Russell was dangerous up forward with 3.2.
Last Modified on 08/06/2009 16:05