Of the 12 games contested, in football and netball versus Tongala last Saturday, the Hawks were able to come away with a clean sweep on the footy front, whilst the netballers could only secure two wins.
The seniors came well aware that they were in for a torrid afternoon, as the Blues would be playing this game with their season on the line. In splendid conditions, inaccuracy again haunted the Hawks in the first quarter. The second quarter was a different story, where the Hawks took their game to another level and totally dominated. They added 9.6 to Tongalas 1.1 to go into the long break with a comfortable 48-point lead. With everyone contributing and working extremely hard around the ground, it seemed it was going to be a matter of how far! Kicking the first two goals of the third had everyone believing the Hawks would continue their great work from last week and were going into over-drive to put a big dent into the Blues finals aspirations. To their credit, Tongala started to play with much more desperation and cohesion, realising it was now or never to keep their September dreams alive. The Hawks dropped away right across the board and the Blues kicked seven unanswered goals to give them some hope at the 3/4 time huddle. The Blues continued their midfield dominance and started the final term as they had finished the third, kicking the first two to get within a couple of kicks of Barooga. Supporters were shaking their heads in disbelief at the form the Hawks were showing and it was starting to become a distinct possibility that they could end up losing the game. Fortunately, some cool heads steadied the ship and added a couple of goals midway through the final to eventually come away with an unconvincing 27-point win. The game highlighted how vulnerable the seniors are when they take the foot off the pedal and be mentally switched off. Couple of questions marks also on a handful of players who, when the temperature starts to rise in the middle, their attack on the ball-handling in contested situations, accountability and decision making are challenged. With finals around the corner, the Hawks can ill afford players of this calibre as they become the weak links in the pressure cooker of finals footy. Liam Ryan had a great game in his role as a small forward, bagging five goals and locking the ball in with some fierce tackling. Ryan Forsyth continued his great form and is really establishing himself as a key component to the Hawks winning formula. John Creenaune played his best game to date for the club, continuing on from last week. Some great contested marking demonstrated his strength and versatility. Brennan Mills racked up many telling possessions.
The Reserves game was an absolute ripper, with the Hawks hanging on to take the game by a mere four points in a cliff-hanger. This win also sees the shoring up of a top two finish if the side can win their remaining two games. Reece Ferrett was very good for the Hawks, winning plenty of possession in the midfield, as was Shauny Connor. Nick Quinane showed plenty of grit whilst Rob Ryan and James Wingate were also key contributors to a very gutsy win under difficult circumstances.
The U17s were very impressive in their persistent effort to overcome a side sitting in a slightly higher position on the ladder. It was not until deep into the final term that they hit the front but it shows what happens if you keep putting the process in place - the desired outcome will follow. In the end, the boys prevailed by 11 points in a great win. Josh McGaw played a great skippers game, leading by example. He was well supported by all his team-mates but in particularly Pete Connors, Bryce Stephens, James Leech, Troy Dunn and Riley Brooks.
The Barooga fourths trailed for the majority of the day until they stormed to the front in the final stanza and then went on to record an impressive nine-point win. Matt Foster was adjudged the Hawks’ outstanding player, where his bullocking runs split the packs and gave the Hawks plenty of drive. Tom McNeill demonstrated the football he is capable of and hopefully producing more consistently leading into the finals. Cal Leighton-Daly continued his outstanding year, whilst Hary Foster, Troy Metzner and Jake Russell were valuable players in a terrific team effort.
On the netball courts, the girls could only manage 2 wins of the 8 grades contested. The A Grade girls came up against the leagues undefeated league leaders – try as they may the classy Blues were far too good. C grade won a closely fought match 45 to 37 to sharpen their finals aspirations. The under 15s won handsomely playing a team-focussed brand of netball from start to finish.