Lobethal will take on Hahndorf with the winner earning a place in the 2020 HFL grand final
The Tigers are keen to break an 18-year HFL flag drought. They put themselves in a strong position after a win at the weekend. Check out all the action from the first round of the finals in our match wraps.
Picture: Supplied, Aliza Fuller
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Lobethal’s pressure around the footy and its accuracy in front of goals played a key part in its 22-point victory against Onkaparinga Valley in their qualifying final on Saturday.
The Tigers led a tight opening half 6.5 to 4.7 but gained a handy buffer in the third quarter to lead by 21 points at the last change.
They then held on to enjoy a 15.10 (100) to 11.12 (78) victory at Blackwood Oval.
Best for Lobethal included Luke Nitschke, James Elliott and Aidan Riley.
Jack Osborn and Dylan Hopgood kicked three goals each.
It now sets up a mouth-watering semi-final clash against minor premier and pacesetter Hahndorf this Saturday.
Picture: Supplied, Aliza Fuller
Lobethal coach Matt Fuller was proud of his side’s performance against the Bulldogs.
“The boys are up and about,” Fuller said.
“We haven’t played finals for a couple of years.
“In the end (against Onka) it was our pressure and our ball use that helped.
“They had a few opportunities that they missed early on which gave us a handy lead.
“In the third quarter our midfield really took control of the game and we kicked four or five in quick succession and that was pretty much the game.”
Fuller said Tigers would need to be at their best to beat the Magpies after losing to them by 100 points in the minor round.
“I’m sure we are much better than we were last time we played them,” Fuller said.
“Coming into that game we were 4-0 and I think the boys thought we were a bit untouchable at that point.
“We certainly got a lesson in that game and it’s probably a positive for us in the long run as it shows we’ve got to play every game the way we should instead of thinking we’re the best.”
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, were led by Ben Jefferies, Zac Kuiper and Andrew Vines.
Onka coach Paul Tanner said little went right for his side.
“Have to say that was frustrating, we just didn’t make the most of our opportunities,” Tanner said.
“We just didn't play the way we wanted.
“We have quite a new side this season so having experienced players wasn’t a factor.
“We have to hit back against Blackwood this week.
“When we played them a few weeks ago we were quite good and our workrate was good.
“But they are a good-starting side so we need to watch that.”
A swift opening quarter by Blackwood led to it beating Mt Barker by 38 points in the elimination final at Heathfield on Sunday.
The Barkeroos hit back and looked to be some chance when they trailed 11.8 to 8.9 at the final change but the Woods cleared out in the last quarter.
Issac McCormick, Scott Bricknell and Phil Hopton played well for Blackwood.
They were given plenty of support from Joel Aish (six goals) and Ryan Dijksman who bagged four majors.
Harley Montgomery, Henry Bruce and Mark Thomas battled hard for Mt Barker.
SCOREBOARD
DIVISION ONE
Qualifying final
■ Lobethal 15.10 (100) d Onkaparinga Valley 11.12 (78) at Blackwood Oval
Elimination final
■ Mt Barker 9.14 (68) lost to Blackwood 16.10 (106) at Heathfield
■ Hahndorf — bye
DIVISION TWO
Semi-final one
■ Macclesfield 5.6 (36) lost to Kangarilla 14.5 (89)
Semi-final two
■ Birdwood 4.9 (33) lost to Bridgewater Callington Raiders 8.10 (58)
THIS WEEK
DIVISION ONE
Saturday, September 12
Semi-final one
■ Onkaparinga Valley v Blackwood at Uraidla
Semi-final two
■ Hahndorf v Lobethal at Mt Barker