SENIOR FOOTBALL
The trip to Princess Park in Shepparton pitted the top -of -he ladder Bulldogs against the struggling Swans, coached by former Tatura Premiership player, Brett Warburton.
In a game that had little bearing on the finishing position for the Bulldogs, the major concern was to complete the game without any injuries. It was also an opportunity to celebrate Tim Lanyon’s 100th club game for Tatura.
Leigh Owen and Cam Trewin were both missing,, however they will be available for the first final next Sunday; they were replaced with Billy Hicks and Chris Ryan.
In a game that did not ever reach any great heights, the Bulldogs did enough, when needed, to register their 16th win for the season. The contest was played in conditions akin to spring and the increased heat factor certainly took the sting out of many of the players. The only slight injuries from the game were a slight hamstring niggle to Jayden Young and a corked leg to Steve Shaw; both should be available for the first final.
The Bulldogs got away to a good start; they dominated the centre clearances through the hard work of Shannon Broadbent and Rob Montgomery. The constant supply into the forward line was wasted with the continued problem of conversion. Having 13 inside 50s to the opposition’s four in the first quarter should translate to a sizeable lead. However. at the first break, it was only to be 13 points. The Swans converted two of their four entries into goals.
Andrew Browning displayed some encouraging form with a fierce attack on the football and real dash from the half-back line. Ryan Crawford continued his solid form too; his strong hands took many marks and, when caught out of position, he always gets a spoil in; he has been a great recruit for the Dogs.
Steve Shaw (four goals) led well and kicked accurately to register the first two goals of the second term, which gave the Bulldogs a buffer of 25 points. Although threatening to take the game away from the Swans, it was to the Shepparton team’s credit that they did not give up and took it up to the Tatura side on every occasion.
At the long break, the visitors had extended the margin to 19 points; this was to be the final margin as well, which is a great credit to the Swans.
As in most games against younger sides, it is the second half where they fall away and the top sides tend to dominate. The Bulldogs at times seemed to be going through the motions, with one eye firmly on next Sunday’s qualifying final against Rochester.
The defence players were strong and Rhodes Cousland, Tom Miller, Billy Lovel and Jayden Young all continued to run the lines right to the final siren. Chris Ryan, who was challenged by the coach at half time, responded with an excellent second half and will take a lot of confidence into next week.
The ruck work of Paul Kirby and Tim Little was not as dominant this week but the two big men are primed for the finals, which is what matters.
Steve Daniel was very positive at the end of the game. He congratulated the players on the season and stated that the goals had been achieved to finish in the top three. He let the players know that the new season starts next week and it is the opportunity for players to enhance reputations by performing in the big games.
“The really good players step up in the games that matter the most, that is the challenge to everyone,” said Steve.
SCORES: Tatura 13-14-92 V Swans 11-7-73
GOALS: S Shaw 4, R Montgomery 2, A O’Reilly 2, P Neville 1, J Warren 1, Andrew Browning 1, T Lanyon 1, J Sullivan 1.
BEST: A Browning, R Cousland, J Young, R Montgomery, B Lovel, T Miller.
RESERVES FOOTBALL
The reserves saw a hard fought contest between two sides that are finals bound. The Bulldogs had many players unavailable and included several U/18s players to play their second game for the day. Tommy Durward was a welcome selection after injuring his ankle several weeks ago and he slotted two goals and showed enough form to suggest that a senior recall is not far away.
Josh Harris was fantastic all game and knocked up getting possessions continually setting his team up, Jon Coe and Corey Mallon stepped up with the absence of other regulars and played their hearts out winning plenty of football. The sores were level right throughout the game and it was to be the Swans who got the first break being 13 points up at the last break. A fracas between most players right on three quarter time fired up the Bulldogs and they responded in the correct manner hitting the lead with only minutes remaining however it was not be and the Swans finished the game winning by the barest margin.
Nick Elliott and Matt Pollard were good contributors as were young Mitch Elliott , Jimmy Nihill and Zac Brian who had played the previous U/18s game. The old war horse Scott Thorn led the side well and in the end they were a little unlucky to lose however they still retain third spot and will play Mansfield next week.
SCORES: Tatura 10-8-68 V Swans 10-9-69
GOALS: L Magee 2, N Rijs 2, T Durward 2, C Atkinson 1, N Elliott 1, J Walters 1, B Vanderdonk 1.
BEST: J Harris, J Coe, C Mallon, N Elliott, M Pollard, S Thorn.
U/18s FOOTBALL
A fantastic team orientated victory concluded a season noted for the improved performances of all the members of the team. A 63 point win was just reward for the hard work put in by the coaching staff and the players. The improvement in some players has been incredible and with a big pre season quite a few of these boys will be pushing to play senior football in 2013.
Robert Kirby played possibly his best game of the season and finished his hard work with four goals and will take a lot out the season and set himself for next year, Sean Martin put his silky skills on display and was dominant player all game. Matt Cornwall and Liam Borrelli were like a wall across half back repelling attacks and providing dash to set up forward thrusts.
Youngster, Matt Cordy ( 2 goals) put together his third straight game emphasising his talents and showcasing his skills and giving a hint of what he can achieve next season.
Dylan Argus (3 goals) could have been 6 if he had the radar working better and maybe a league goal kicking award, showed enough to suggest he can replicate this form in senior football.
Six and a half wins is an improvement on last year and provides a platform to build upon for next season, the coach, Joe Minutoli and assistants Tim Lanyon and Paul Kirby are to be acknowledged for the great efforts they have put in this year.
SCORES: Tatura 14-10-94 V Swans 4-7-31
GOALS: R Kirby 4, D Argus 3, M Cordy 2, S Martin 1, G Kilmartin 1, D Vanderdonk 1, M Elliott 1, M Cornwall 1.
BEST: R Kirby, S Martin, M Cornwall, L Borrelli, M Cordy, D Argus.
Last Modified on 04/09/2012 11:42