BRAD Ottens kicked two late goals to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat for Newtown & Chilwell in a cracking contest at West Oval on Saturday.
The former Geelong star, as he had done throughout his AFL career, stood tall when it mattered to convert from two big contested marks, finishing with six for the match, and getting the Eagles home by three points after they had trailed by 16 midway through the last term.
The loss was devastating for Geelong West-St Peter's, and Newtown coach Jacob Spolding conceded his team had been lucky to escape with the points.
"We're certainly not playing our best footy at the moment, we controlled a majority of the game but we failed to put them away early," Spolding said.
"Obviously Brad (Ottens) was good for us as was Matt McMahon throughout the match."
Spolding said the Eagles were hurt by injuries to Lachlan Edwards, who was starring early, and Michael Condy during the match hurt their rotations.
"We've got a few injuries at the moment but as soon as we can sort them out we can really improve as a footy side in general," Spolding said. "We still have faith in winning many games even before we have all returned from these short term injuries."
The Eagles entered the match without another former AFL player Ryan Gamble, but still hit the game full of run, kicking the first three goals.
But the home side was sparked by Kevin Bourke, who got busy and kicked the first of five consecutive goals for the Roosters to put them ahead at the first change.
From that point on, it was goal for goal virtually all afternoon, with some classics kicked by both sides, highlighting the quality of players running around in the GFL.
Former Sydney Swan Danny O'Keefe, who only decided to play on the morning of the match due to an injury concern, kicked two within minute to give the Roosters a 10-point lead by the final change.
But, just when it looked like West was home, Ottens led the late revival to get his team home and helped square the Eagles' ledger at 2-2.
The home-side displayed resilience through accuracy however; Kevin Bourke was the first of five consecutive goal kickers taking out the lead in the last two seconds of the opening term.
Seamus Orr continued his run for the Roosters in the second term as did David Jelbart for the Eagles which resulted in four lead changes for the quarter. The midfield intensity from both sides would be shadowed by Brad Ottens who kicked four goals, set up Eagles captain Jay Bett for his second and also claimed a few pivotal contested marks in defence - all before the main break.
Andrew Walsh dominated the ruck for the Roosters however the home-side struggled to deliver the ball past Newtown recruit, and Geelong VFL listed defender, Matthew Sully.
After a few controversial free kicks the Roosters capatilised from a 12 point play which was not only enough to continue competing but in fact enter the final term with a 9-point lead.
At three quarter time Spolding made it clear to his side of the importance of the end as he stated to the playing group "Our season is on the line". His message would take some time to sink in however as Rooster Sam Boyd extended the margin with the opening goal of the final term.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man - Brad Ottens. The "recruit of the year" lived up to all pre-season expectations finishing the game with consistent marks inside both offensive and defence 50's and more importantly seven goals to bring the margin to 3-points with a minute remaining.
The Roosters retaliated immediately, attempting to deliver the ball forward of the center square Newtown's Ryan Normington, with eyes on nothing but the ball, crashed into his opponent in one of the season's most courageous displays.
His Joel Selwood styled resilience would not only divert his three opponents from gathering possession but also coincide with the final siren - stamping the print on the match of the season so far, final scores: Geelong West (14.6.90) def by Newtown (14.9.93).
Last Modified on 08/01/2013 07:14