The Reserves ventured to football headquarters, Deakin Reserve on Saturday for the big game that pitted the Bulldogs against Mansfield. Tim Little, Paul Neville and Alex O’Reilly found themselves in the team after being overlooked for the seniors.
The match was played in blustery conditions and Tatura had first use of the wind which was probably worth three or four goals.
A typical finals encounter was witnessed throughout the first term. The Bulldogs made some simple skill errors and the Eagles pounced on these mistakes to register the first goal at the six-minute mark. Anthony Poppa, who was like a pillar in the defence all day, and Co-Coach Scotty Thorn, worked overtime to repel many attacking moves. When the Bulldogs did get their opportunity they were inaccurate in front of the big sticks.
It was evident early that the half-back lines were going to be under pressure as the ball rebounded between each end. Two goals to Alex O’Reilly and Paul Neville finally gave the Tatura side some reward for effort. A goal to the Eagles on the quarter-time siren cut the deficit to one point.
Kicking against the strong breeze it was important that the skill execution was precise. The Eagles produced their best quarter; the ball movement was swift and targets were hit. The leading forwards got on the end of some great delivery and this resulted in three unanswered goals to stretch the lead to 17 points, in favour of the Eagles.
It took some great hands from Thorn to set up James Walters; his goal against the run of play reduced the margin to 11 points. A Mansfield goal on the siren resulted in the half-time margin being 17 points.
The half-time speech from the co-coaches asked for a lift in intensity and for everyone to focus on the challenge ahead, it was important everyone played their part.
The mantra was taken on board and, like all good sides the Bulldogs responded with two goals in the first three minutes, courtesy of Corey Mallon and Alex O’Reilly.
Knowing that the Eagles would be coming home in the last quarter with the breeze, a big third term was essential.
A long goal to skilled wingman Chris Atkinson had the Bulldogs up by eight points at the 14-minute mark. A 50-metre penalty to Tim Little had him slot the next major and all of a sudden the Tatura side was on a roll.
Fierce tackling and constant pressure by Tatura resulted in a turnover and a long goal to Paul Neville, which had the Bulldogs up by 21 points at the final break. A big third term saw Tatura outscore the Eagles 38 points to 0.
The final term was a desperate struggle and to the Tatura team’s credit, they were able to go goal- for-goal kicking into the breeze.
Pat Frappell became involved in the bullocking work and Joey Conheady continued his brilliant second half winning a lot of contested football and willing his team mates to follow his lead. Corey Mallon also did not stop running and he finished the game as one of the better players on the field, producing a four quarter performance.
Alex O’Reilly (five goals) finished off the work up field being a productive focal point. An opportunist rover’s goal by Josh Thurston sealed the game late in the final term.
A 27-point victory now gives the team the opportunity to play in a second semi final where a victory will give the Bulldogs the chance to defend their premiership.
The lift in intensity and the attitude in the second half pleased the coaching staff and a fantastic victory was the reward for great effort.
SCORES: Tatura 13-8-86 V Mansfield 9-5-59.
GOALS: A O’Reilly 5, P Neville 2, C Mallon 2, C Atkinson 1, J Thurston 1, J Walters 1, T Little 1.
BEST: A Poppa, T Little, S Thorn, P Neville, J Conheady, C Mallon.
Last Modified on 10/09/2012 11:11