MATCH REPORT
Tamworth Swans v Tamworth Kangaroos
Number One Oval, Tamworth
11th July 2009
With the Swans having stumbled slightly in recent weeks but still the table-toppers, and the improving Roos one of the form teams of the Country Energy Tamworth AFL, the second local derby of 2009 promised to be a cracking game of footy. A good crowd, including some local legends of the game who returned for the Old Boys Challenge, witnessed the teams take to the pitch on a still and sunny day.
After the expected early arm wrestle, the Swans got the best of the early running and with some direct play posted the first majors of the match. With far superior height in the centre, the Roos consolidated quickly and cleared the ball effectively to take control of the remainder of the quarter. Sloppy in their disposals, the Swans turned the ball over too regularly to the Roos, who capitalised with six straight goals and went into the first break 22 points clear.
Determined to meet the Roos' challenge, the Swans responded in the second period and took control of the midfield. Despite the increased possession, the Swans forwards struggled for clean possession at times, with their half-backs and midfield showing only occasional flashes of their early season quality running and kicking game. Converting the clean chances they were given, the Swans brought themselves back within striking distance of the Roos, who were keen at the contest and again capitalised on any attacking chances to full effect to keep the Swans 12 points adrift at the main break.
Bouyed by their improved efforts and confident of going on with the job, the Swans lifted their attack at the disputed ball in the third term. Again at times frustrated for clean ball by the determined Roos, the Swans took control of the contest in the premiership quarter, driving forward and giving themselves a taste of the lead late in the piece. A late Roos fightback saw them goal and take a narrow 4 point lead into the last quarter.
Having briefly held the lead in the third period, the Swans took to the last full of confidence in running away with the game. It was the Roos, however, who found their feet first in the last quarter to goal quickly and apparently knock the wind from the Swans sails. With the contest on in earnest, tempers spilt over, which saw one Swan and three Roos marched from the paddock. The Swans were unable to take any advantage from the extra numbers though, and possibly having made their run, the Swans backline lagged behind the running forwards of the Roos, who posted four further major scores in that time to take the dispute out of the match. Rallied to show some pride, the Swans fought back late in the piece to restore some respectability to the scoreboard, but in the end were well beaten by 20 points.
Rick Watt summed his team's day up succintly. "Disappointing," he said. "After we clawed our way back in the third quarter, to throw it away like we did in the end was disappointing."
Damien Wendt was the best on ground for the Swans, with John Robinson's tough midfield effort earning him the Player's Player. The first pre-emptive green ant was awarded to past-President Jason Egan, in full faith that he would earn the award by the end of the night.
FINAL RESULTS
SWANS: 2.3 (15) 6.7 (43) 10.9 (69) 13.12 (90)
ROOS: 6.1 (37) 9.1 (55) 12.1 (73) 18.2 (110)
GOALS:
SWANS: D. Hoy (6); G. Knee (2); A. Donohue, M. Firth, S. Freer, A. James, J. Robinson (1).
ROOS: D. Overeem (5); L. Robinson, P. Walton (4); G. Akeroyd, M. Barrow, B. Coombes, M. Filosi, M. Penberthy (1).
BEST
SWANS: D. Wendt, A. Donohue, T. Jones, J. Robinson, R. Green, G. Knee.
ROOS: B. Coombes, L. Robinson, P. Walton, B. Reyne, M. Filosi, D. Overeem.
Last Modified on 12/07/2009 14:26