Brave Blues Push Giants
In front of a vocal crowd of loyal Blues supporters, Campbelltown threatened to create one of the upsets of the season against ladder leaders Manly Giants on the weekend.
The Blues had been gradually improving all season but only the most parochial of supporters would have tipped an upset against the Giants who have dominated the competition all year. Despite this the Blues went in to the match with a steely determination and a quiet confidence that they could upset their more fancied opponents.
The opening quarter was a good, old fashioned scrap with numerous stoppages created by tight contested football. The Blues defence were being miserly and they were well supported by their hard working midfield and high half forwards. Campbelltown's whole team approach to defence had the giants rattled and at quarter time there was only a couple of points in the match. Campbelltown were proving they could play the type of football that is required to compete with the best in finals football.
The Giants came out in the second quarter expecting the Blues pressure game to relent but the Blues had other ideas and would not role over. Nathan Lomas was doing a blanket job on Manly's star forward Hayden Washington and Peni Mahina was bravely competing against the leagues leading goal scorer in Brayden Fowler. JJ Peni and Joel Bottin-Noonan's work rate and rebound from the back line were exceptional and at half time the Blues were right in the hunt and an upset was on the cards.
Early in the third quarter Campbelltown's inspirational midfielder Taran Etto was removed from the field with a concussion and despite the outstanding efforts of Hamish Sherwood, Bryce Joynson and skipper Matthew Edwins to carry the load, the Giants were able to take advantage of Etto's absence and kick to a two goal lead at the final break.
Rookie Josh Hickey kicked a miraculous goal off the ground and young gun Paul Green toiled hard all day but in the end Manly were able to build on their lead and foil what was shaping up to be an upset that would have put the competition on notice.
Following the game Neil Brunton was encouraged by the performance and proud of his troops. "That was a gutsy performance and while we didn't get the points today we gained a lot of self belief. We have gradually been improving each week and today we showed that we have the potential to match it with the best in the competition."
The Seniors get a well earned rest next weekend as the Sydney AFL Premier Division competition has the weekend off. The following month will be critical to Campbelltown's season fortunes as they will need to continue improving and building on this performance to start making inroads up the ladder.
Last Modified on 19/05/2014 15:53