GFL Finals 2023: Colac and Newtown & Chillwell smashed in contested possession in finals losses

Colac and Newtown & Chillwell were devastated in one area in consecutive weeks by the same opposition. Plus, all the top performers from the first week of finals.

GFL stats from the first week of finals.

Newtown & Chillwell and Colac were both smashed in contested ball in their finals losses over the weekend.

And perhaps the most damning thing is that the two sides were exposed by the same opposition in that area the previous week.

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Astonishingly, South Barwon tallied 91 more contested possessions and laid 21 more tackles than Colac in the final home-and-away round, and the numbers were even more devastating in Saturday’s qualifying final.

The Tigers were walloped 78-177 in contested possession in their disappointing 42-point defeat, with nine Swans winning 10 contested possessions or more.

Colac had just one in Bailey Scott, who had a game-high 30 disposals, six clearances and a goal, as Kody Spokes (25 disposals and a goal) and player-coach Darcy Lang (25 disposals and two goals) were among the best.

South Barwon’s forwards proved difficult to stop, with Jonty Broughton leading the way with four majors as Fraser Fort tallied 22 touches and a goal in an even contribution from the Swans.

Jonty Broughton kicked four goals. Picture: Mark Wilson

Colac must improve its inside game if it is to avoid a second consecutive straight-sets exit, given Leopold dominated the Eagles at the coalface.

The Lions were +65 in contested possessions in their win over the Eagles in round 18 and finished with a +71 tally in that area in their elimination final triumph on Sunday.

Eagles stars Matty Lloyd (28 disposals, 11 inside 50s and two goals), Blake Sutterby (29 disposals, nine clearances) and Matthew Boag (28 disposals, eight clearances) performed strongly but the likes of Oliver Tate (35 disposals, eight tackles and two goals) and Mitch Patten (four goals) led the Lions to victory at West Oval.

Originally published as GFL Finals 2023: Colac and Newtown & Chillwell smashed in contested possession in finals losses