On Saturday 2nd August the Northern Knights hosted the Northern Territory at Preston City Oval. Once the morning fog cleared and the match was able to commence in bright sunshine. The game was tightly fought early with both teams playing a contested brand of Football. NT scored the opening goal which was quickly answered by the Knights through Reece McKenzie. McKenzie then kicked his second a few minutes later, while Chas Roberts extended the Knights lead with a nice snap goal on the run. Two more goals to McKenzie late in the quarter and a long range goal from Matthew Perry gave the Knights a 25 point lead. McKenzie got the Knights going again quickly in the third with his fifth goal before NT bounced back with a couple of their own. Knights’ captain back into the team after a long layoff with a hamstring injury then kicked a steadying goal, before goals to Zac Ballard and Jayden Short pushed the margin out to 41 points at the long break. McKenzie’s sixth and seventh goals early in the third quarter kick started the Knights again as they continued to pill on the pressure. A run of three goals in three minutes by Garret McDonagh and goals to Darcy Macpherson, Sam Switkowski and another to Short gave the Knights an eight goal to two quarter and a commanding 79 point three-quarter time lead. The Knights didn’t relent in the final quarter adding another five goals with James El Moussalli kicking three, while Tyrone Leonardis and Chas Roberts added the others to set up the 102 point victory.
Sam Switkowski was outstanding for the Knights through the midfield with 36 possessions, while Reece McKenzie’s 7 goals to go with 12 marks was dominant up forward. Jayden Short was at his damaging best and Jade Gresham continued his consistent season picking up 7 centre clearances and 9 in total. James El Moussalli collected 30 possessions to go with his 3 goals and Kieran Malone was also amongst the best through the midfield.
With this weekend being a TAC Cup Development Weekend, the Knights next assignment is against the Bendigo Pioneers at Epson Huntly Reserve on Saturday 16th August. We hope that the boys can carry their form from this game into our remaining two games and have a successful finish to the season.
Last Modified on 05/08/2014 14:09