Aspley has knocked defending premier NT Thunder out of the premiership race when they won a titanic contest by 21 points in their Elimination Final clash at Graham Rd on Saturday afternoon.
Scores were level halfway through the final quarter before the Hornets booted four of the final five goals of the match to win 16.14 (110) to 13.11 (89).
In a contest worthy of the finals stage, last year’s Grand Finalists took intensity and defensive pressure to new heights in the opening quarter, where accuracy helped the Hornets to a six-point lead.
Luke Bath put the Territorians back in front at the six-minute mark of the second as Thunder began to generate some momentum.
They kicked six goals to four to lead by four at half-time, before an arm wrestle ensured in the third.
Jackson Allen put the Hornets back in front within the first minute, but they kept NT in the contest when they wasted 3.5 to 1.2 for the term.
Leading by 11 at the last change, scores were soon level when Ben Rioli and Darren Ewing booted back-to-back goals to set the match up for a grandstand finish.
Nick Jackson – playing his first NEAFL match in 341 days – kicked a 50m goal to inspire his side at the 10-minute mark.
Aspley opened up a 19-point advantage approaching time-on, before Liam Patrick’s third gave NT some hope.
But Cameron Stevenson produced the match-winning goal at the 27-minute mark as the Hornets held on for a gutsy win.
Coach John Blair said he expected nothing less than a tough contest against their arch rivals.
“It was a great win, and it was a really great game of footy from both sides,” he said.
“At times it was frustrating for both coaches to watch with a couple of things, but I think overall both clubs should be proud of their players today.
“There is a lot of feeling of desire to win, but there is also a lot of respect after the game for each other. They (the players) embrace each other after the game and acknowledge the battle that they’ve been in.”
Reece Toye was outstanding for Aspley with 28 disposals and a goal, ably supported by James Ives who collected 28 disposals, six clearances and eight inside 50s.
Allen was solid in defence with 15 disposals, 10 marks, and 12 rebound 50s.
Richard Tambling led the disposals for NT with 20, plus five clearances and a goal.
Shannon Rioli (19), Ben Rioli (18) and Raph Clarke (18) also won plenty of the footy.
Aspley will now head to Sydney to tackle minor premier the Swans in a Preliminary Final next week.
Last Modified on 29/08/2016 08:32
