Robins power into 18’s GF
The West FC have advanced to the 2016 Grand Final of the Under 18’s against Minor Premiers North with a commanding 82 point victory over the South FC.
West, Coached by Jordan Tonkin & Paul Attar, jumped out of the blocks with a 4-3 to Nil first quarter sending South a clear message that Finals football was a big step up in intensity. West was magnificent all over the ground leading the Roos to the ball and tackling like crazy when they didn’t have it.
The West “big boys” came out to play with Andrew Donnelly dominating the ruck, Mackenzie and Paddric Attard dominate through the midfield and behind centre and Josh Cieslik grabbing some huge marks on his way to a Best on Ground 7 goal finals performance.
West sprung a surprise playing Sage Hocking at CHB and he was impassable all night yet still managed to kick 2 goals late in the game.
In the 2nd term West maintained the intensity for the ball and then spread far and wide using the Sherrin as well as they has all year. Jack Larkins was crumbing the packs with precision and finished the night with 4 goals to his name.
By half time the Roos were almost out of the contest trailing 6-5 to 1-1, a deficit of 34 points.
The South 2016 stars were struggling to have any impact on the game with forwards Sam Edgecumbe, Connor Washbrook & Jye Smith rarely seeing the footy inside their forward 50.
The third term saw the Robins pile on another 4-5 to 1-3 to stretch the lead 54 points and it was season over for the young Roos team. The Robins had winners all over the ground as they continually were first to the ball and then kicked long and direct to Cieslik who was having the better of Angus Collins in the aerial battles.
On the wing Jordan Cox was sensational. For a lad who grew up with a soccer ball on his dinner plate he possesses great kicking skills, vision and clean hands. Throw in his lightning speed and his willingness to compete and he has a big future with the oval ball! Also back from injury was Jarred Nicholls and he too was electric all night racking up possessions.
In defence Danyon Mclauchlan – Menz stood out like a beacon with his coloured helmet but the Roos could not catch him all night. His run and dash off half back set up numerous forward 50 entries for the Robins who just never eased up all night.
The final quarter was the icing on the cake for the Robins slamming on the 8-2 before a late rally saw the Roos kick 3-4. Cassidy Evans ended the night with 2 goals and was a good decoy for Cieslik as was the fleet footed Jake Trengove.
The final margin reflected West’s brilliant team game but not South’s season which had been outstanding. For some reason the Roos just could not get their running game going, and whilst they never stopped trying, it was just a dirty night for this talented group of lads that were well Coached by Darren Smith. Alex Johnston tried hard all night as did Angus Collins, Josh Virgo and Evan Ferguson but aside from Decklan Langdon and Bryon Brown the younger Roos were “blinded in the headlights”.
The Robins did not have a passenger and that’s what wins finals. North will start favourites in the GF as they too have many experienced top aged Players capable of dominating the game, but they best come ready to play as West proved the final is anything but a one dog race!
Umpires Chapman, Vlatko and McLean had a firm grip on the game all night with only a couple of mini push and shoves to keep under control. Full credit to both Clubs for focusing their energies on the footy in front of a large crowd that came out on a balmy mid week night. Fingers crossed we get a repeat night next week when North and West battle it out for the U/18 Shinglebacks Premiership Cup.
Last Modified on 18/08/2016 10:40