Chris Yeend
It may not have been the biggest game of the season between two league heavyweights but the battle between Woodend/Hesket and Broadford provided plenty of excitement on Saturday. The Roos sat above the Hawks on the ladder by one game after thumping wins in the last two rounds that included the scalp of Wallan, while the Hawks went toe-to-toe with finalists Macedon and Sunbury Kangaroos in that same timeframe.
VENUE CHANGE
The game was moved from Gilbert Gordon Oval to the Kyneton Showgrounds as the Hawks; home ground was not capable of holding three games of football. The move proved to benefit all players and supporters as the venue change enabled the game to take place on a picture-perfect surface.
BIG INCLUSIONS
Former Woodend junior and current VFL Northern Bullants onballer, Dan Toman, lined up alongside younger brother Ben for the first time in senior football at Woodend/Hesket. Both players would go on to have a major say in how the result unfolded. Broadford had a depleted line-up including the exclusion of star forward, Dan Burcul. Youngster Michael Berry was a handy addition to the team and provided an instant spark around the team. His story is one of success given the 18-year-old had open heart surgery four years ago and has made a courageous effort to play football. He kicked five goals in the Under 18s' win earlier in the day.
HAWKS LEAD EARLY
Woodend/Hesket ruckman and 50-gamer, Matt Quinn kicked the opening score of the game in the first minute. Just minutes later, Brent Littlewood covered himself in glory with a great goal 15 metres out to put the Roos in front. This would be short-lived as Hawk skipper Jesse Sheppard marked strongly and goaled to put his team back in front at the seven-minute mark, a lead they would not surrender for the rest of the game. Both teams went goal-for-goal for the rest of the term. The highlight came from Berry who dribbled an incredible goal in the left forward pocket on the boundary line 25 metres out to reduce the margin to two points. Ben Toman marked on the 50-metre line for the Hawks and goaled beautifully after the siren to give the Hawks a two-point lead.
TIGHT CONTEST
The second quarter was as physical as any other stage of the game. Geordie Taylor and 50-gamer Justin Rodda were strong in the midfield for the Hawks, while Matt Coomans gained plenty of possessions from half-back and half-forward. He was a telling influence. He started the quarter in fine style with a thumping kick from 52 metres out that cleared the pack in the goal square and dribbled through for a great goal. Dan Toman was a great engineer around the ruck contests for the Hawks but his efforts were matched by Andrew Hibbert who had the better of his dual with Hawk forward James Hepburn in an entertaining battle. Meanwhile, Berry found space to set up his third goal and reduce the margin to seven points deep into time-on. The Hawks still led by 13 points at half-time thanks to a goal from Dan Toman 35 metres out after the siren. This intriguing goal sparked discussion as to whether a pair of brothers had kicked goals after the siren in consecutive quarters.
HAWKS JUST AHEAD
Every time the Hawks tried to break away, Broadford rose to the challenge. Captain Grant Wearne found himself winning some great contested football in defence that would help set of teammate Matt Williams for a goal. His influence would lift around the forward line and he was aided by the drive from Matt Smith off half-back. Hepburn pick-pocketed Hibbert in the forward 20, sold some candy to another opponent and kicked his second midway through the third term to give the Hawks some breathing space. When Dan Martin kicked his second at the 21-minute mark, it looked like the Hawks were in a strong position as they led by 14 points with all the momentum heading into the final term.
TOO CLASSY
Disaster struck for Broadford in the opening stages as key position player James Ingham moved forward and injured his hamstring after kicking a minor score. Hibbert kicked the opening goal for the Roos to bring the margin back to just over a kick. Sheppard replied for the Hawks just moments later to regain momentum. His third goal would break the Roos' spirit as the Hawks went on to kick the final four goals of the game in a brilliant fashion. Brendan Backhouse, Luke Macklin and Sam McMillan were among the hard-workers for the winners, while Matt Whitty, Brandon Coomans and Josh Wheeler showed signs of brilliance. Woodend/Hesket Hawks prevailed in sunny conditions to the tune of six goals and erased memories of the Roos' big win over them at the Harley Hammond Reserve earlier in the season.
RADIO
Tune in to 100.7 Highlands FM this Friday from 6.30pm and Saturday from 12pm for the Sports Wrap. This will lead in to the coverage at the Riddells Creek Reserve as Riddell plays host to Lancefield from 1.30pm.
Last Modified on 07/08/2012 13:50