Swans v Willetton Match Report

A perfect afternoon greeted us in Midvale for the much anticipated clash with last years premiers, Willetton.

Things got off to a great start for Swans when Will “Sonic” Brenssell went bang getting us on the board early. The first quarter became a tight tussle with both sides repelling well from their half back lines with Blair Maitland getting plenty of the ball early, before Willetton finished the 1^st quarter 4 points up with 2.4.16 to 2.0.12.

There were some ominous signs starting to creep in with our key defenders such as Lewis “The Hulk” Collins, Maitland and state representative, Damien de Grussa in most of the action. As we have been for our last few opponents, Swans were undersized against some much bigger opposition, and it was Collins who lead from the front putting his body on the line and winning the ball through sheer determination. Collin’s attack on the ball, as well as that of Jayson “Juddy” Mann lifted their team mates across the ground, and through some great forward entries from Mann and Luci Gill, we were able to wrestle the lead back at half time to be up 4.1. 25 to 2.10.22 with a late goal from Mark “Plugger” McNair.

While Willetton were inaccurate early, they got their radar on early in the third, and we were no match for their speed through midfield with our skipper and prime mover, Dylan Farrow, out with an ankle injury. Willetton’s pressure on the ball carrier started to create unforced errors and we began bombing away in desperation, only to turn the ball right back over again. Willetton finished the third with a comfortable 6.12.48 to 4.3.27 lead at the last break leaving Swans with a lot to do in the last.

Gill tried to lift her teammates with a great goal to immediately start the final quarter, Willetton fired straight back with two goals and sapped any chance of getting any momentum.

Willetton ran out winners 9.16.70 to Swans 5.4.34.