Aspley’s impressive defensive unit again played a key role as the Hornets scalped their second QAFL grand finalist in the space of eight days at Esplen Oval this afternoon.
A week after running over the top of Labrador with an enthusiastic last quarter, the Hornets did the same thing to Morningside.
Their 15.12 (102) to 12.8 (80) triumph was built around the back six, just as the Hornets’ five wins in their last nine games of 2010 were.
Robbie Copeland totally blanketed Morningside ace Kent Abey, keeping the star of last year’s grand final goalless.
The ever-composed Steve Brittain reigned supreme at centre-half-back and flankers James Brain and Michael Hutchinson kept their opponents under wraps while providing enormous drive for their side.
Brendan Colch had a willing battle with Shaun Mugavin at full-back, winning plenty of one-on-one contests, but still seeing the effervescent Mugavin never stop trying and contribute three goals.
Austin Lucy provided two goals for the Panthers in a lively opening term from the wing, but once he faded Mugavin appeared the only real option in attack.
Morningside were able to keep in touch through Aspley squandering some chances in front of goal and the hard-working efforts of Adam Spackman in the midfield and defence, half-back Nick Tomlinson, and the hard-running Nathan Kinch.
They were still right in the contest when they trailed by five points at the final change, despite Aspley having controlled the majority of the game, but were out-enthused in the final half hour.
It took just 10 second for Matty Davis to signal the Hornets’ intentions in the fourth quarter, landing a bouncing goal from just inside the centre square.
Davis was lively for most of the day in an impressive display after taking a heavy head knock the previous week.
The Panthers would never get any closer, the Hornets banging on five goals to two to put themselves right in the race as a dark horse for a finals berth.
Aspley received silver service from Matt Shir, who won numerous possessions through the midfield and kicked two important goals when posted at half-forward in the third term.
Micah Buchanan has got better with each game he has played for the Hornets since being recruited from Colac over summer and was extra busy supporting Shir around the ball.
The Hornets were able to win so much football because Jeff Teale, the former second division player, totally locked down on Morningside matchwinner Paul Shelton in the midfield.
Shelton had his least amount of disposals for the season as Teale continued to be a real surprise find for the Hornets.
Mitch Scholard bobbed up with three goals for the Hornets to be their most productive forward while Reece Toye was typically busy under the packs.
It was a scrappy game at times but Aspley’s defensive work and their ability to bring the ball unchallenged through the corridor on numerous occasions proved telling.
The result sets up the unthinkable game next Sunday – Morningside hosting Southport in the fight to avoid bottom place.
Meanwhile Aspley host Redland in what could be the game of the round at Graham Road on Saturday.
Last Modified on 14/11/2011 19:50