In our final game for the year coming up against one of the top three teams in our division we went into this game as if it was our Grand Final. We had a record of one win each with East Brighton so far this year in two closely fought battles, so we were keen to show our best this round.
It is always useful when the opposition wins the toss and elects to kick into the wind. We made the most of this opportunity presented to us by keeping the Vampires under constant pressure throughout the quarter peppering the goals regularly. Lachie Nolan was very active, peppering them more than once, but only able to put through for three points. Finn and Paddy managed to score majors for us whilst holding East Brighton scoreless.
In the second term East Brighton made good use of the wind but through some solid work down back, particularly by Will Boyd Turner and Miles Cooper, we managed to hold them to the one goal. Up forward Hugo Tuffley started to get into the action scoring for us and Finn White kicked his second. At half time we were up by 3 goals.
After the break, East Brighton came out with much greater intent. Even against the increasing breeze the ball spent much of the early part of the quarter in their attacking zone. It was only through some strong defensive work by our backline that we held them out. This was highlighted by Sunny King, who on two occasions was one out against three opponents on the last line of defense, and managed to beat them. Beyond this point though we managed to kick away with the game kicking four straight goals with Will, Alex, Jaxen and Miles and contributing.
We went into the last quarter with a 7 goal lead but wanting to make sure we didn’t let our standards slip for the game. We again managed to outscore the Vampires kicking into the wind. Joe Sansotta continued his good form towards the end of the season with a big last quarter, Finn again proved his dominance in the ruck setting up the other mids with some precise tap-work and Campbell continued the amazing run off half back flank that he had provided all year. It was the perfect way to finish the season proper, cementing us as one of the top two in our division.
The awards this week went to Lachie Nolan for his work rate through the midfield and the constant threat he provided up forward all game. Josh Meikle demonstrating his silky skills through the midfield keeping the ball in our forward half. Josh Marshall who has bounced back from a hamstring injury adding class to the midfield and a willingness to defend in there. And, Will Boyd Turner, whose first half in the back line was the main reason we held the Vampires to only the one goal and then moved forward kicking a goal himself and setting up a number of others.
Well done to all the boys for a great year. This last game demonstrated how we wanted to work together and play as a team. Hopefully, it has been as fun and rewarding for them as it has for me.
Goals: Finn White 2, Hugo Tuffley, Paddy Wilson, Alex Condon, Jaxen Gordon, Miles Cooper, Will Boyd Turner
