Northern Knights storm home to produce NAB League wildcard round boilover
Down by 20 points in the final term, Northern Knights produced a stunning comeback to upset GWV Rebels in the NAB League wildcard round.
NAB League
Don't miss out on the headlines from NAB League. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The underdog tag sits comfortably on the Northern Knights.
After finishing last in the NAB League home-and-away season, the Knights produced a stunning four-point upset to knock off third-placed Greater Western Victoria Rebels in Ballarat to keep their season alive.
The competition’s wildcard round lived up to its name with the lower-ranked team winning four of five games.
From 20 points down mid-way through the fourth quarter, the Knights stormed home – booting four unanswered goals – to win 11.12 (78) to 11.8 (74).
Jack Chubb sparked the comeback with two goals, while Jesse Dattoli and Anthony Caminiti also hit the scoreboard, to secure an elimination final berth against minor premier Gippsland Power.
Knights talent manager Nat Grindal watched on in awe.
“They kicked the first three goals of the last quarter but then our boys clicked and put the foot down,” she said.
“It was really pleasing, it’s reward for effort for the boys, they’ve had a great month of footy.
“The grit they showed and the connection was really impressive, it was one of the most pleasing wins I’ve been involved with.
“Our ladder position doesn’t represent the year we’ve had.
“In particular, the last month has been really pleasing, I know it’s a footy cliche, but we feel like we’ve been building towards performances like the last two weeks.”
Knights skipper Patrick Dozzi was a standout, collecting a team-high 24 disposals, seven tackles and kicked a goal.
Jonathan Tomasiello finished with 23 disposals, four marks and five tackles, while Cooper Harvey had 23 touches, six marks and kicked a highlight reel goal after fending off an opponent and snapping truly.
Talented key forward and 2023 draft prospect Nate Caddy booted 0.4 and collected 19 touches and four tackles.
Key defender Jack Rossimel was named the Knights’ best-on-ground after an enthralling duel with highly-touted draft prospect Aaron Cadman.
Rossimel finished with 15 possessions and five marks, while backline partner Sam Grant was equally impressive with 10 touches and six marks.
“Jack was directly matched up on Aaron Cadman … it was a really good battle and Rossi was impressive with his contest and intercept game and drive off half-back,” Grindal said.
“He missed the first four games of the season but ever since he’s come in to the side his performances have been really impressive.
“He’s a 19-year-old who’s had a change of position, he played as a key forward last year, and has got really good synergy with Sam Grant – those two have been great this year.
“Pat has played a handful of games for Carlton (VFL) and has had a super consistent year at both level.
“He’s played different roles, with us he plays inside mid and when he’s at Carlton he’s been playing wing, but his ability to impact has been excellent.
“He’s our captain, his leadership on and off the field has been super impressive, and leads by example.”
The Knights have now won consecutive games for the first time this season after a 41-point win over Western Jets in the final round of the regular season.
Gippsland Power awaits in the elimination final after earning the week off by finishing the season on top of the ladder.
The Power smashed the Knights by 100 points earlier in the season but Grindal is confident her players will be more competitive on Saturday at Ikon Park.
NAB: WILDCARD WESTERN JETS NOT FINISHED YET
LEADER: GET YOUR NAB LEAGUE FOOTY NEWS HERE
NAB: BRAVE BUSHRANGERS BOW OUT TO DRAGONS
“It’s an exciting opportunity … they finished on top of the ladder, so it’s going to be a challenge,” she said.
“I think we’ve shown over the last few weeks we don’t mind being the underdog and having a challenge.
“NAB League Boys hasn’t had finals since 2019 so to have that opportunity is really exciting and it will be a good day regardless of the result.”
In other matches, Western Jets (68) upset Geelong Falcons (33), Sandringham Dragons (77) were too strong for Murray Bushrangers (67), Calder Cannons (67) upset Eastern Ranges (63) and Bendigo Pioneers (71) knocked off Oakleigh Chargers (59).
Named: The best Western Jets team since 2000
A long list of names have enjoyed decorated careers after graduating from the Western Jets. We’ve named our best side of the last 25 years.
Third time lucky: Draft snubs, Cats’ crucial hand in ex-VFL ruck’s rise
Joe Pike missed out at the end of 2023 and then again six months later. But 12 months after his initial disappointment, he became a Geelong player. And the Cats were pivotal before drafting him.