Football
12 August, 2024
Swifts secure second spot
Not only did the Swifts celebrate Paul Summers' goal-kicking century, but they also celebrated securing the second spot on the ladder in their 116-point win over Edenhope Apsley at Edenhope Football Oval in round 17 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
The Baggies were on fire early, kicking eight goals to one, six of which from Paul Summers, to lead by 45 points at quarter-time.
When Summers kicked his 100th within the first 90 seconds of the second quarter, the Baggies took a while to get going but were able to extend the margin to 63 points at the main break.
The Saints battled hard in the third, restricting the Baggies to four goals. In the last quarter, the Swifts kicked six goals to run out 24.14.158 to 6.6.42 winners.
Cameron Wickham kicked six goals for the Baggies, with Ryan Folkes, Paul Summers, Matthew Healy, Scott Carey, and Noah Stirling among the best.
Fraser Thompson kicked two goals for the Saints, with Heath Keatley, Jeremy Kealy, Ryan Obst, Clint Roekbrand, and Shayne Williams among their best.
Baggies coach Brett Hargreaves said resolving second spot on the ladder was good.
"We expected to do it, but it was good to do it in style, going up to play with the same intent we did against Harrow Balmoral the week before," Hargreaves said.
"Matthew Healy was a standout for us at centre-half-forward in his second game back from suspension, and Noah Stirling was solid in the middle. He is one of those good footballers on both sides of their bodies.
"Cam Wickham played up the ground a bit more and used his speed to his advantage, leading up the ground, rather than playing deep forward."
Kalkee win their second consecutive game
At Kaniva Recreation Reserve, Kalkee ended the Cougars season with a 57-point win.
The Kees kicked three goals to one in the first quarter to lead by 13 points at quarter-time, extending that margin to 19 at half-time.
The Kees were sensational in the third quarter, kicking nine goals to lead by 51 points at three-quarter-time.
The Cougars fought hard in the last quarter, but the Kees were too strong, running out 19.10.124 to 10.7.67 winners.
Ben Lawson kicked a game-high six goals for the Kees, with Matt Nield, Deacan Campbell, Matthew Magee, Aiden Richardson, and Luke Byrne among their best players.
Patrick Munn kicked five goals for the Cougars, with Billy King, Jock Maddern, Sam Vivian, Dylan Natt, and Jack Stimson their best players.
Kees co-coach Andy Devereaux, who was the Kees' sole coach on the day with Steve Schultz away, credited the Cougars for a tough game and praised his troops for standing tall.
"I have to give full credit to the Cougars. We knew they would come out red hot in their last game of the year, especially at home, and they matched it with us in the first half, and it wasn't an easy feat to get over the line," Devereaux said.
"After half-time, I am really pleased with how the boys responded. Ben Lawson has played a ripping two weeks up forward, clunked marks, and kicked straight, and I was pleased with his output.
"Matt Nield in the middle has been one of our best players all year and played brilliantly. Aiden Richardson in defence was great. As a young fella, he has an old head on his shoulder."
"Matt Magee was also good. His leadership has been good, and it was one of the reasons we could turn it around."
Bombers turn it on in front of home crowd
A 16-goal second half to Noradjuha Quantong has seen them defeat Rupanyup by 67 points at Quantong Recreation Reserve.
The Panthers silenced the home crowd early, kicking three goals straight to lead by nine points at quarter-time.
The Bombers responded in the second quarter, kicking four goals to two to lead by seven points at half-time.
In the third quarter, it was tight early, but the Bombers could extend their margin to 14 points at the final break.
The Bombers came out firing in the last quarter, kicking 11 goals to two to win 21.13.139 to 11.6.72.
Brock Orvall and Dawson Cross were magnificent up forward, with seven and six goals, respectively. Jack Vague, James Gregg, James Hallett, and the returning Wade Francis from a long layoff were amongst their best.
Blake Downer kicked three goals for the Panthers, with Bill Hansen, Connor Weidermann, Mitchell Gleeson, Brayden Ison, Jimmy Finnigan, and Tom Arthur among the best.