The Camden Cats have been defeated by the Blacktown Magic 7.8 (50) to 5.12 (42) in their grand final of the AFL Sydney division two competition at the Blacktown International Sportspark.
An army of Camden Cats’ fans made the trip to Blacktown on Saturday, and to their delight, it was the minor premiers who started the game best.
The Cats kicked three goals to two in the first quarter to lead by 9 points at the first break, with gun forward Matthew Withers strong marking and straight kicking leading the way.
In the second quarter, Blacktown came back strongly, with the Cats defense working overtime to stem the flow of scoring. The precision kicking and speed from defense into attack from Blacktown was exceptional.
The Magic kicked three goals in the second quarter whilst holding Camden goalless, to take a ten point lead into half time.
After a disappointing second quarter, the Cats lifted after half time off the back of some great ruck work from Billy Wylie and Brenton Sommerville, who were working in tandem to nullify Blacktown big man Tim Baracz.
Their great work allowed the Cats midfield to get some good supply to their forward line with Joey Ayling and Matt Lecek getting more involved in the play.
Josh Van Luenen provided a spark for the Cats in the third term, with his run and carry across the ground showing he was experiencing no ill effects from his recent knee injury.
Van Luenen’s right foot crumbing goal was the only major for the Cats in the third term, helping to reduce the margin to eight points at three quarter time.
The final quarter was a close and tense arm wrestle with both teams giving their all in pursuit of the premiership cup. The Cats had plenty of chances to hit the front, after an early goal in the final quarter to vice captain Mark Maher drew the Cats within 2 points.
But that was a close as the Cats got, the Magic finally edging the Cats in a low scoring grand final by 8 points.
The Cats had more inside 50s and more scoring shots in the second half than their opposition, but their inaccuracy in front of goal proved costly.
Mark Maher, Mitch Broadstock and Brenton Sommerville were some of the team’s best on the day, but it was Cats veteran Matthew Withers who was again outstanding, supported well by small forward Josh Van Luenen.
Last Modified on 17/01/2016 21:14