Hahndorf suffers first loss since 2018 after being upset by Lobethal in HFL semi-final
The two-time reigning HFL premiers had not lost a game since 2018 but the Magpies were stunned by the Tigers in the semi-final on Saturday. READ about the upset in our finals match wraps.
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Hahndorf’s stunning run of 871 days without a loss came to a crashing end when it was lost to Lobethal by eight points in the semi-final at Mount Barker Oval on Saturday.
The two-time reigning premier had not tasted defeat since falling to Mount Barker by 11 points on Anzac Day, 2018.
The Magpies had chalked up 42 consecutive victories since then, including the 2018 and 2019 flags.
Lobethal’s 11.5 (71) to 9.9 (63) win helped the club gain direct entry into the 2020 grand final with a bye this weekend.
Tigers player/coach Matt Fuller said the game was a whirlwind and he was not aware his team had held the Magpies scoreless in the third quarter.
“Really? I wasn’t aware of that,” Fuller said.
“The conditions were reasonable and I know that our third quarter was very good but didn’t know that we had kept them to no score.
“We got on top of the stoppages and probably got a couple of lucky goals.
“They threw everything at us in the last quarter and gave us quite a scare but I was proud of the boys to hang on.”
Aidan Riley, Fuller (three goals) and Shaun McWaters starred for the Tigers, while ex-Norwood premiership forward Brady Dawe kicked three goals.
Matthew Jaensch (two goals), Sam Hayden and Trent Male worked hard for the Magpies.
Hahndorf coach Matt Golding was disappointed but said Lobethal deserved the win.
“I just thought Lobethal was very good acros sthe whole day,” Golding said.
“I thought we fumbled the footy a lot, we missed tackles and our workrate wasn’t as high as it normally is.
“We were off in all the key areas of the game, especially in the second and third quarters, we got really badly beaten at the stoppages.
“I guess if you put all those things together and a quality team in Lobethal have a good day and move the ball well, then we got what we deserved, really.”
Golding expected his side to use the loss as a “wake up call” and bounce back this Saturday.
“You finish as high as you can throughout the regular season so you do get that second chance,” Golding said.
“We didn’t plan to use it and e didn’t wnat to use it but we need to use it and hopefully bounce back this weekend.”
The Magpies will now play Blackwood in the preliminary final this Saturday.
The Woods enjoyed a 57-point victory over Onkaparinga Valley in their elimination final at Uraidla Oval on Saturday.
Evan Johnson was best-on-ground for the 2017 premiers with four goals, while Ryan Dijksman booted two.
Tom Mayo starred up forward for the Bulldogs with five majors but it was not enough to help his side move through to the preliminary final.
SCOREBOARD
DIVISION ONE
Second semi final
■ Hahndorf 9.9 (63) lost to Lobethal 11.5 (71) at Mt Barker
First semi final
■ Onkaparinga 9.4 (58) lost to Blackwood 17.13 (115) at Uraidla
Preliminary finals
■ Ironbank Cherry Gardens 19.19 (133) d Gumeracha 6.4 (40) at Macclesfield
■ Birdwood 12.11 (83) d Kangarilla 10.13 (73) at Birdwood Oval
THIS WEEK
DIVISION ONE
Preliminary final
■ Hahndorf v Blackwood at Echunga Oval
DIVISION TWO
Grand final
■ Ironbank Cherry Gardens v Birdwood at Kersbrook Oval