NFL 2018: Samuel Indian boots six goals to earn South Morang semi-final win over Laurimar
TEENAGE forward Samuel Indian produced a stunning senior finals debut on Sunday to fire South Morang to a Division 3 preliminary final.
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TEENAGE forward Samuel Indian produced a stunning senior finals debut on Sunday to fire South Morang to a Division 3 preliminary final.
The 17-year-old, who was unavailable last weekend due to South Morang’s under-17 grand final, returned to the senior team with incredible effect against Laurimar, booting six goals.
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South Morang was held goalless in the opening quarter of its Northern Football League semi-final before Indian, playing his 11th senior game, kicked three second-term majors to earn his team an 11-point halftime lead.
His teammates call him ‘chief’ and Indian was the chief destroyer for the Lions as they prevailed 13.11 (89) to 12.12 (84) against the gallant Power.
“He’s playing against men, it’s not an easy task,” South Morang coach Gary Hall said.
“For him to do what he did, I couldn’t be more proud.”
Indian’s conversion in front of goal showed composure well beyond his years.
He twice kicked truly from a difficult angle after outpointing an opponent on the lead at pressure moments of a tense contest.
“He’s always been able to lead as a good forward should,” Hall said.
“He has that natural ability to do that. It’s just been a bonus for us to have somebody who can straighten us up.”
Only six players have kicked more goals than Indian, who has 35 from 11 games, this year.
Laurimar was a point in front with about a minute to play before a costly 50m penalty gave Bailey Brown the chance to kick the matchwinner.
Josh Williamson was a constant threat at the opposite end for the Power, who rose from eighth last year with two wins to within one kick of a preliminary final.
James Mellerick’s poise off half back, Matthew Trim’s dash on a wing and Tye Hall’s grunt work contributed to the five-point triumph.
South Morang will tackle Panton Hill in Saturday’s preliminary final, shooting for consecutive grand final appearances.
“Everyone thought we were going to finish up second bottom. Where they are now, it’s up to them how far they want to go,” Hall said.
St Mary’s progressed directly to the decider with an 8.14 (62) to 5.9 (39) victory over Panton Hill.
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