Seniors vs Powerhouse
Swinburne 16.14.110 defeated Powerhouse 12.15.87
Goal Kickers: T. Kennedy 4, K. Fitzpatrick 2, D. Hassaballa 2, J. Manning 2, D. Manning 2, D. Green 2, E. Black , J. Perillo
Best Players: , R. Lugg , J. Manning , K. Fitzpatrick , S. Capra , D. Hassaballa , D. Manning
The Seniors headed to over to the Albert Park Precinct to take on Powerhouse, sitting 7th on the ladder and no longer in finals contention. Nonetheless, the Seniors were intent on continuing their good form following last weeks win over UHS-VU, and carry momentum into the upcoming finals campaign.
There was a buzz amongst the group during the warm-up, with plenty of voice and excitement about the spring-like conditions and the opportunity to knock off Powerhouse on their home turf; a task not achieved in recent years.
The first quarter saw the Razorbacks come out of the blocks hard, making first impact on the scoreboard and setting the tone for the match with strong physical pressure at the contest. Captain Kane was ably assisted by VC Ash doing the bulk of grunt work in the middle, with the better Manning’s in Jackson and Danny providing forwards with plenty of opportunity to make an impact. While Kendog was winning his one-on-one contest, the shots on goal weren’t being followed by their usual “yeah!” and conversion of opportunities was proving the largest problem during the early stages of the match. At the first change, the Razors led by 2 straight kicks; 3.3.21 to Powerhouse 1.3.9.
The second quarter was more of a tussle, as Powerhouse locked down and started to win their own ball out of the middle. Their power forward Stubbs was ably held by Marcus Lingham, beating him both in the air and on the ground. Nonetheless, the Razors failed to maintain the pressure of the first quarter, which saw more scoring opportunities opening up for Powerhouse, bringing them back to within 4 points at the main break. Coach Koumantatantatantatakis delivering some home truths at half time, with the group knowing that in order to seal the contest the effort must lift.
The 3rd stanza saw the Pigs respond to the half time rev-up in true Swinburne style; rebounding well off half back, plenty of run through the middle of the ground, and making the most of scoring opportunities. It was a free flowing quarter which suited the likes of Sammy Capra, who was instrumental in rebounding the ball off half back into the forward line, while Danny Lyons’ quick feet helped find space to use the ball well. Kendog also hit his straps, slotting home a few much needed majors for the quarter, including punishing his opponent for not paying attention; running around the mark and kicking one from outside the arc. Speaking of outside the arc, it would be remiss not to mention the efforts of Daniel Hassaballa; who helped spark the team late in the 3rd quarter by playing on and kicking one of the best goals he’ll ever tell you about (repeatedly) from the boundary line and what he says was “at least 65m out”. The crowd agreeing it was surely one of the best 35m goals so far that day. The 3-quarter time margin 27 points to Swinburne’s favour; 11.9.75 to Powerhouse 6.12.48.
The final quarter saw things really open up across the ground, with 19 scoring shots between the 2 sides. Swinburne allowing Powerhouse to score more freely, as they kicked 6.3 for the quarter. Fortunately, the final quarter saw some heroics up forward from the Razors, as Damon Green continued his good form by kicking his 2nd goal for the day, while Jackson Manning managed to squeeze one through from the boundary with an opponent hot in his tail. In true Jacko style, the celebration was reflective of the achievement, with a hearty scream and some finger waving seen as he paraded through the forward-line, high-fiving all team-mates within range. Unfortunately for Daniel Hassaballa, the goal of the day went to Kane Fitzpatrick; who managed to slot through a drop punt from hard on the boundary line, deep in the pocket, with the sun in his eyes, and the wind blowing away from the goals. Strangely, though, his celebration wasn’t anything compared to Daniel and Jackson’s. Something to work on for next week, Fitzy.
The performance of the day was unquestionably that of Richard Lugg, who has hit season best form at the right time of year, as he shut down opposition forward entry attempts repeatedly. Luggy showed us why he is Felix’s favourite, doing what he does best in the air; clunking multiple pack marks while being head and shoulders above the opposition, as well as on the ground; using his strength to out-body opponents and gather the loose ball and repel up the wing and into the forward line.
While Powerhouse managed to win the final quarter, the final margin was a healthy 23-point victory for the Razors. Another hard-fought 4-quarter effort that will hold us in good stead leading into the first final against West Brunswick this Sunday.
Go Pigs!!!
