Sydney's glorious spring weather saw Blacktown bathed in sunshine as North Shore's sudden-death semi final against Balmain got under way. The Bombers went on the attack early, and Dale Fitzgerald landed a nice goal on the run from the pocket; but most of the Bombers' attacks could only result in behinds. Despite contesting evenly around the ground and having twice as many scoring shots, the Bombers were six points behind at quarter time.
The second quarter showed a similar pattern. A blustery but inconsistent wind made ball control difficult. It was a willing contest around the ground, neither side making the other comfortable. Several momentum swings through the quarter saw it finish with the Dockers five points ahead; the Bombers not being able to make the most of the numerous opportunities they created. But with the margin just five points, the game and the fate of the season remained up for grabs.
But a poor opening to the third term threw a pall over the Bombers' prospects, as the Dockers had three goals in the blink of an eye and the Bombers found themselves 24 points behind. But they slowly worked hard in the remainder of the quarter to attempt to get themselves back in the contest. But 11 points in arrears at the last change, the Bombers had work to do.
The Bombers tried hard in the last quarter, but having the roll the dice and play catch-up football, the gambles didn't pay off. The result was several turnovers, and the Bombers went down by 20 points.
It was a disappointing end to the season for the Bombers. To have been top of the table going into the last round but then lose the last round and bow out of the finals in straight sets leaves us lamenting a season that got away. But there were numerous positives out of this season. The development of some of our young talent - particularly Rising Star nominees Erol Sertbas, Jack Davis, Sam Naismith and Jordan Weir. Several of our players making the next step to become senior players or taking representative honours.
And off the field, we're building a great club culture; and that work will continue into next season. 2012 is over, but we're looking forward to bouncing back bigger and better than ever in 2013.
Last Modified on 09/01/2013 09:30