GFL Finals: South Barwon beats Colac in Jonty Broughton’s 100th game
A Swans forward has booted four majors in his 100th game as South Barwon wins its first final since 2018.
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South Barwon has booked itself a spot in a semi final clash against St Mary’s after a dominant performance on Saturday in the club’s first final since 2018.
The Swans, who finished third on the ladder after winning the last six games of the home-and-away season, booted 16.12 (108) against Colac’s 8.18 (66) in a display that pegs them as a genuine flag threat.
South Barwon coach Mark Neeld, who guided the Swans to a 13-5 record in just his first season at the helm, said the scoreline did not reflect the toughness of the contest, with the Swans booting away in the final term.
“We thought it was a cracking finals game, particularly for the first three and a half quarters, in terms of the contest, unfortunately for Colac they missed shots at goal and we hit the scoreboard,” he said.
“There will definitely be a few sore bodies after that one, but we’re really excited about the prospect of going up against St Mary’s, who have been a dominant side in the GFNL for a long period of time now.”
Despite the weather offering a perfect day for football, the contest was marred by some skill deficiencies on both sides of the contest, and neither side had a key forward dominate the contest.
Instead the Swans were buoyed by milestone man Jonty Broughton, who booted 4.2 in his 100th game, and defender Jack Driver also kicked three majors after kicking just two in the previous nine games of senior football this season.
Colac’s Adam Garner kicked two, as did co-coach Darcy Lang, while Bailey Scott was strong in his return to the senior side.
Dustin Walters performed well in a key defensive post, often lining up on South Barwon’s Fraser Fort or Andrew Boseley, with the dominant key forwards only kicking three goals between them and all late in the contest.
Neeld said the group grew in confidence after seeing an alternative path to goal work against a top opponent.
“It wasn’t the traditional way that we have kicked goals this year, Fraser, Matt Caldow and Andrew Boseley didn’t really trouble the scoreboard,” he said.
“We had to find other ways to get goals, the forward line set up after half time was different and our midfield group really adjusted well with how they entered the ball inside the forward 50.
“It was good for everybody, having the confidence to move some magnets around and the players have seen it work I think is really important.
“You just have to take your chances if things go your way, Jonty was able to do that in his 100th game, which is fantastic for him.”
South Barwon will now face St Mary’s at West Oval on Saturday, while Colac will play on Sunday in a must-win final if they are to avoid a second consecutive straight-sets exit.
Originally published as GFL Finals: South Barwon beats Colac in Jonty Broughton’s 100th game
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