HAWKS IN TWO GRAND FINALS
The Tuggeranong Hawks will be represented by two sides in the AFL Canberra Grand Finals next Sunday.
In Saturday's preliminary finals the Under 18s had a very convincing 61 point victory over Eastlake and the Reserves had a nail biting 4 point win over Belconnen. Both sides will play Queanbeyan in the Grand Finals.
Under 18s
TUGGERANONG 3-3 7-10 12-11 16-14-110
Eastlake 1-2 3-3 6-5 7-7-49
After a tight 1st quarter the Under 18s were able to gain the ascendancy and were very convincing winners. Better players in an excellent team performance were Blake Harlock, James McCabe, James Kuhn, Sean Wilkinson, Will Overs and Steve Barbuto.
Goal kickers: Steve Barbuto 4; Blake Harlock 3; James McCabe 3; Matt Bernasconi 2; Tim Cleaver 1; Will Prowse 1; Toby Richards 1; Nathan Smith 1.
Reserves
TUGGERANONG 1-2 4-4 6-4 11-6-72
Belconnen 4-2 5-4 8-7 10-8-68
In a tight, hard fought opening quarter Belconnen were able to convert their opportunities to take the early lead. The Hawks had their fare share of the footy through the midfield and coming out of defence but were repelled when going deep into attack. A Ben Funnell goal gave the Hawks confidence going into the 1st break
The 2nd quarter started with an early goal to Belconnen. This appeared to be the catalyst for the Hawks who all over the ground lifted in intensity and work rate and started to turn the game around. Goals to Mal Fernie, Nathan Costigan and Simon McPherson finished the good work done by the defensive unit and the midfield. A six point deficit at the main change and the game was evenly balanced.
An early goal to Simon McPherson to start the 3rd quarter had the scores level. Belconnen, kicking to the scoring end, had the next 3 goals to open up a 21 point lead near the end of the quarter. An inspirational goal by `Chief' on the three quarter time siren had the margin at 15 points at the last change.
With the Hawks' bench down to one at the start of the last quarter, the loss of Greg Packer early meant the Hawks needed to draw on every ounce of energy and commitment to win the game. A Mal Fernie mark and goal reduced the margin to 9 points and then two goals to Belconnen pushed the margin back out to 21 points at the 10 minute mark of the quarter. To all those at the ground the final 15 minutes was sensational by the Hawks. The "Tuggeranong spirit" was evident as a never say die approach turned the game on its head. Pressure goals from Ben Funnell and Peter Ashcroft inspired the whole side and when Troy Fenyvesi took a well judged mark and goaled at the 20 minute mark the Hawks were within 2 points. Cal Graham's 45 meter goal with three minutes remaining had the Hawks in front. The desperation and commitment shown by the Hawks in the final minutes was fantastic and with the excellent Hawks supporters spurring the team on the final siren sounded on a memorable victory.
The win was enjoyed but the focus has now turned to the biggest prize in footy.
In a great team effort, better players included Peter Ashcroft, John Roache, Ben Funnell, Alex Lawder, Phil Lovett, Mal Fernie, Simon McPherson, Tim Ghirardello and Simon Kelly.
Goals: Simon McPherson 2; Mal Fernie 2; Ben Funnell 2; Nathan Costigan 1; Gerrit Wanganeen 1, Peter Ashcroft 1; Troy Fenyvesi 1, Cal Graham 1.
Last Modified on 26/01/2008 11:02