Bell Park hold off late Grovedale comeback in two-point thriller at Burdoo Reserve

With Bell Park well in control at three quarter time, a late and spirited Grovedale comeback gave Saturday’s contest some life under fading daylight. But in the end, the Tigers found themselves with too much to do.

Grovedale’s Samuel Walker (right) tackles Bell Park’s Euriah Hollard. Picture: Mark Wilson

Grovedale coach Jacob Spolding has encouraged his players to harness the energy of their spirited fourth quarter comeback, despite coming up heartbreaking short against rivals Bell Park on Saturday.

Down 22 points at three-quarter time at Burdoo Reserve, the Tigers dictated both play and momentum in the final 30 minutes but couldn’t muster the final winning goal needed in an eventual two-point defeat, 10.10 (70) to 10.12 (72).

Grovedale’s William Ford (right) gets the kick off under pressure from Bell Park’s Fraser Marris. Picture: Mark Wilson

Having cut the margin to four points off the back of goals to Rory Quinn, Joe McCarthy and an electric Jack Caia snap, the Tigers desperately went for a fourth, though two tough shots on goal only managed minor scores before the Dragons’ defence closed ranks by forcing a series of repeat stoppages to run out the clock.

Addressing a crestfallen Tigers changeroom post-match, Spolding lamented it was one they “let slip”.

“It hurts,” Spolding said.

“It should hurt I reckon, that one.

“Your effort last quarter, outstanding, outstanding.

“Won the ball, tough, hard, got it going our way, took our opportunities.

“That’s what it should look like.

“Let ourselves down in quarter three... left ourselves just a little bit too much to do.”

Bell Park’s Mitchell Mahady marks over Grovedale defender Brady Campi. Picture: Mark Wilson

Mahady celebrates one of his four goals. Picture: Mark Wilson

Dominating the first quarter to lead by 19 at the first break, then fighting back against a resurgent Bell Park in the second to keep scores level at half time, Spolding said his Tigers “lost their way” in the third.

While Jak Tute got boot to ball in the goal square to kick the first of the third for the Tigers, the home side then conceded the next four to last year’s finalists in what was otherwise a low scoring, and wet and cold affair.

The Dragons looked their best once they got some of their running game going in the second, a slow first quarter showing lacking some of that pace.

Spolding used his third quarter huddle address to encourage his side to “wheel and go” through the midfield, insisting they make quicker decisions and not worry about perfect delivery getting the ball forward.

Asking for the first goal of the final term, Spolding got his response and more before falling short.

Entering the game desperate to keep up with the pack and take their record to 3-4, the Tigers now finds themselves 2-5 and two wins outside the top five ahead of a date with reigning premier Leopold at the Lions’ den in round 8.

But Spolding said there was no reason the Tigers couldn’t challenge the Lions, if they could replicate a similar level of intensity for four quarters.

He praised Joshua DeGoldi in his senior debut, insisting the teenager didn’t look overawed at the top level.

Bell Park’s Jack Sarcevic celebrates a goal with teammate Jett Bermingham. Picture: Mark Wilson

Meanwhile, Tigers defender Brady Campi and Tom Schulze stood tall, cutting off several of the Dragons’ attacks - Schulze particularly impressive keeping Dragons livewire Jack Sarcevic to one goal - while Will Ford provided some dash through the middle of the ground.

Star Bell Park recruit Jett Bermingham was a standout for the victors, who now sit outside the top 5 only via percentage after winning their last three.

The ex-Hampden league medallist dominated through the midfield, while his third quarter goal on the move showcased both his balance and poise.

Defender Ben Lloyd led the back six and was an elite rebounder by foot, while Mitchell Mahady gave the Dragons a strong marking target forward and was rewarded with his best haul in green and white with four goals.

Originally published as Bell Park hold off late Grovedale comeback in two-point thriller at Burdoo Reserve