WANDELLA have evened the ledger against Macorna in their last game before finals kick off, setting up a do-or-die decider in this weekend’s first semi-final.
The season’s fourth and penultimate clash between the two teams was played out under heavy rain for the first half, the Bombers starting brighter in the 11-point victory.
Bombers co-coach Justin Robinson described the game as “one for the shorter blokes”, with cleanness in possession of the utmost importance in the first half.
“It was a hard game to pick the footy up today,” he said.
“I think especially in that first half it was a small man’s game today.
“Guys like John Cooper and Adam McKenzie were huge for us early, they didn’t let the conditions stop them early in the game.
“Our team has been finishing games really strong this year – even if we’re behind we don’t let that stop us, we keep fighting right to the end.”
Trailing by 16 points at half-time, Macorna turned the game around in the third quarter – kicking four goals to one to carry a three-point lead into three-quarter-time.
With the sun breaking through the clouds for the quarter, Malcolm Neiwand burst into the game with two consecutive goals to end the third term.
Kurt Forder battled hard all day for the Tigers, while Harley Somerville, Hunter Anset and Blake Forster also had strong showings.
Darren Rushton, Tim Robinson and Connor Wilson rounded out the best players for the Bombers.
Kaine O’Connell and Michael Rowe finished the game with three goals each for the Bombers, while Tigers forward Lachlan Ritchie was the leading scorer with four.
While getting the win over the Tigers on their home ground was important for the Bombers, Robinson said next week’s semi-final was the one that really mattered.
“They got us at our home last time, so we owed them that one,” he said.
“I was just saying to the team, next week will be a bit different than this – Finals is a completely different game, the pressure will be turned right up.
“It could be the two same teams, but the pressure out there is going to be far more intense.
“It’s elimination for the losing side, so we’re going to have to throw everything at them.”
Ultima claimed the biggest win of the round, an 82-point win away from home against Moulamein.
The Roos held the Swans to a single goal for the game, kicking give goals before the Swans were able to claim their first major.
Corey Grey starred for Ultima, claiming three goals while Zac Cattlin, Jay Reynolds and Ricky Wild all kicked two each.
Mitchell Seton-Stewart, Mitch Makepeace and Edward Kuchel were some of Ultima’s best players for the game.
Ryan Devereux kicked the one goal he needed to wrap up league goalkicking honours for the year, while the Swans defenders attempted to thwart to Ultima onslaught.
Cody Storm continued his strong form from full back for the Swans, Hunter and Xander Hartland and Ely Miller also impressing.
Having wrapped up the title of minor premiers, Hay ran out 46-point winners over Murrabit in their final regular-season match.
Without a handful of first team players, the Lions were relentless, but the Blues were able to withstand the flurry in the game’s early stages.
Trailing by just two goals at quarter-time, and three at half-time, the Blues fell away late to end their season on the bottom of the ladder.
Toby Frankel finished the game with two goals for Murrabit, while Austin McKerrow, Dean Harrop, Michael Grant and Sam Copland showed their ability all game.
The run of wingman Bentley Murphy and half-back flank Daniel Stewart was important in the win, as Brad Pocock, Angus Gardiner and Jock Crighton were just as good.
Lions skipper Kenneth Jubb ended the game with three goals, Jock Crighton and Jensen Hargreaves with two each.
