Curra Swans had the chance to cause an upset at Muldoon Oval on Saturday against the Thuringowa Bulldogs.
The Swans kicked the first 3 goals of the final quarter to take the lead by 8 points with 8 minutes left in the game.
The Swans had the chance to go 14 points up but a shot at goal missed and the Bulldogs moved the ball forward unopposed to score the most crucial goal of the match. From there on the Bulldogs added four more majors in quick succession to put the spirited Swans away.
In a match that was hard fought and close all day the Swans will rue the one that got away. Without gun forwards Carl Ward and Leigh Ewing, star players Stephen Taylor, Ben Keep, Tom Madsen as well as youngster Liam Gordon the under strength Swans were not expected to trouble their more fancied opponents.
However nobody mentioned that to the players and the Swans had a real go including newcomers Tyson McNeil and Craig McCabe.
McNeil in particular stood out with a gutsy and classy display in the middle. The Swans were looking for another on baller to bolster their midfield and it looks like they have found one in McNeil.
McCabe was solid in the key Centre Half Back position which gave Coach Peter Pyle the option to throw hardman David Anspach up forward. This move was a major factor in the Swans good showing as Anspach marked strongly and competed hard for everything that came his way.
Nathan Wescombe was the standout for the Swans continually giving them drive through the middle. His blistering pace enabled him to evade would be tacklers and send the ball forward all day.
Co Captains Jason Drew and Brent Doyle again were involved in everything with Drew kicking 4 goals to cap off a great leaders effort.
Dylan Bycroft in the ruck continues to give the Swans improving midfield first use of the ball and this young giant is getting better each week.
Coach Pyle was pleased with his sides continued improvement and looks forward to getting back Keep, Madsen, Ewing, Gordon and Ward for this weeks clash with arch rivals Hermit Park. However Pyle stressed to his players that they can not settle for nearly and must learn to take their opportunities to win games. Basically we blew it on Saturday said Pyle. We need to learn how to win. How to finish a side off. Its all well and good to say we challenged the Hawks and nearly beat the Bulldogs but the reality is they got the 4 points and we didnt. But the improvement is ongoing and each week we strive to improve.
Last Modified on 17/06/2009 15:00