NEAFL – Round 7 review
REDLAND DEFEAT A SPIRITED TUGGERANONG
Redland secured their third victory of the year against Tuggeranong at Greenway by 18 points Saturday afternoon.
The Bombers survived a late fight back from the Hawks to run out winners 14.18-102 to Tuggeranong 13.6-84.
In near perfect conditions, the two teams put on an entertaining first quarter which saw both teams use the ball effectively. Both teams looked determined and it was reflected in their attack on the ball, with heavy tackles and carnage anytime a pack formed.
As the game wore on Redland began to get on top around the field, choosing to keep possession of the ball and remain patient until the right option presented itself, but Tuggeranong’s goal kicking accuracy kept them in the game, and the Hawks lead at half time by 8 points.
The game opened up in the second half, as Tuggeranong seemingly were unable to keep up the incredibly high pace set by the visitors, as the Bombers took control of play managing nine scoring shots to three. It was the Hawks’ resilience and Redland’s inaccurate goal kicking kept them in the game, with 8 points separating the teams at three quarter time.
It was Redland who struck first in the final term, effectively putting the game out of reach early. The Hawks fought valiantly, kicking late goals to draw closer, but the game was almost over midway through the quarter.
The Hawks were served well by Phil Lovett who nailed two goals up forward, and Marc Dragicevic who toiled throughout the day, also ending the game with two majors.
While for Redlands, a six goal contribution by Josh Pullman and Allen Bielski proved to be the difference, with the Bombers’ forwards chiming in whenever the Hawks threatened to mount a comeback.
Next week Tuggeranong have the bye.
TUGGERANONG 4.1 8.4 10.5 13.6(84)
REDLAND 3.4 6.8 10.13 14.18(102)
LAST MINUTE SURGE SINKS THE MAGPIES
Morningside stunned Belconnen at Manuka to record their first victory of the year by three points.
The Panthers kicked three goals in the final five minutes of game time to snatch an unlikely victory 13.13-91 to Belconnen 13.10-88.
Belconnen have been slow starters this year and Morningside were able to exploit this, leading by ten points at the end of the first quarter and had the Panthers kicked straight, they would have been much further in front.
The margin was further extended in the second quarter, with an accurate 5.1 handing the visitors a 12 point advantage going into the main break.
Matthew Lokan no doubt had some harsh words for his team, and whatever he said seemed to resonate with his players, turning around the 12 point deficit to lead by ten points going into the final change.
It seemed Belconnen had all the answers, Ryan Turnbull, Jordan Harper and Matt Hammond all booted two apiece as well as having a big impact around the ground and it seemed the Magpies would run away with the victory.
However, Morningside were not to be denied, nailing three goals in as many minutes to pull off a miraculous victory and leave the Magpies with only one win this season.
Dan Duffield and Damien Bonney proved to be the difference in the end for the visitors, Duffield leading the way up forward with three goals, and Bonney controlling the game through the middle.
Next week Belconnen tackle Eastlake at Manuka on Sunday afternoon.
BELCONNEN 2.1 6.6 11.8 13.10(88)
MORNINGSIDE 3.5 8.6 9.10 13.13(91)
SYDNEY SWANS OVERPOWER LUCKLESS UNI
Sydney Swans reserves gave Sydney University a lesson at BISP on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Students by 203 points.
A 13 goal to none opening quarter set up the victory for the Swans, who piled on a further 25 goals to record the highest score and winning margin of the year.
The Swans seemed switched on from the outset, limiting the Students scoring to only one behind in the first quarter, whilst scoring 13.4 to lead at the first change by 81 points.
Mitch Morton ran rampant throughout the game, nailing an incredible ten goals to outscore the entire Students team singlehandedly. Nathan Gordon replicated Morton’s effort, booting ten, but they weren’t the only ones, with seven of their teammates kicking multiple goals.
Tony Armstrong put his hand up again for senior selection with a best-on-ground performance, while Tommy Walsh and Mike Pyke pushed their credentials further with a combined seven goals.
Peter Dugmore continued his great form for the Students, booting four goals, but in the end they were overwhelmed by a determined team keen on getting their season back on track after a disappointing two weeks.
Next week the Swans travel to Brisbane to take on the Lions on Saturday, while the Students have the opportunity to bounce back when they host Ainslie on Sunday.
SYDNEY UNI 0.1 2.3 3.6 5.6(36)
SYDNEY SWANS 13.4 20.6 30.8 38.11(239)
EASTLAKE EQUAL FIRST AFTER ACCOUNTING FOR AINSLIE
Eastlake put the Eastern Conference on notice after recording a 44 point victory over reigning premiers Ainslie on Saturday.
The Demons only managed to kick one point in the opening quarter, but dominated the second and fourth quarters to be the first Canberra based team defeat Ainslie in over 18 months, 109 to 65 win at Ainslie Oval.
The Tri-colours would have felt confident early, kicking three goals straight to Eastlake’s one behind. Their attack on the ball was ferocious, and their goal kicking exemplary. The Demons on the other hand were sluggish and lacked real polish going forward.
The break in play was exactly what the Demons needed, nailing seven goals to two in a blistering second quarter to give them a 13 point advantage at the main break.
Hayden Armstrong was running amok up forward for the Demons, nailing five goals in a fantastic performance, while Justin Mesman’s was brilliant in his 100th game for Eastlake.
Coming out of the main break however, the Tri-colours made the most of fortuitous conditions, but failed to convert on the scoreboard, with nine scoring shots only yielding 24 points.
Nick Paine gave his all and was a lone hand at time up forward for Ainslie, kicking five goals in a team that only kicked nine for the afternoon.
Eastlake ran away with the game in the final quarter, kicking seven goals to one to seal the win. Eastlake now sits atop of the table, with Queanbeyan only taking first position due to a healthier percentage.
Next week Ainslie travel to Sydney to take on the Students in Sydney while Eastlake hosts Belconnen at Manuka.
AINSLIE 3.0 5.3 8.9 9.11(65)
EASTLAKE 0.1 7.4 10.4 17.7(109)
