Leopold v St Joseph’s: All news, updates and statistics from GFL finals
St Joseph’s has become the first GFL team eliminated from finals football after going down to Leopold, with the Lions securing their first finals victory since their 2016 premiership.
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Leopold coach Garry Hocking has led the Lions to their first finals win since their 2016 premiership victory with a dominant display against St Joseph’s.
The Lions held Joeys to just two goals after quarter time, with their efforts booking a semi-final clash with Colac with a 12.15 (87) to 4.11 (35) victory.
Hocking said the experienced Lions came to the fore during crucial stages of the match.
“The game started opening up on our terms in the second quarter, but the third quarter going into the wind and kicking four goals was pivotal,” he said.
“We ran with a smaller forward line and got our guys to lower the eyes a bit when they were going in, Joeys’ backs were really good at picking off some of our forward 50s so we had to fix that.
“There were match-ups everywhere in the midfield as well, we had a bit more depth in the end, we were able to get guys like (Oliver) Tate, Marcus Herbert and Mitch Patten in there gave us a bit of a different look than usual.”
Lions captain Marcus Thompson had another stellar performance for Leopold, while his brother Jai Thompson was equally as damaging in the midfield.
Hocking said the win had set up a difficult game against a “proud club” in Colac.
“They won’t want to go out in straight sets, and we just have to keep progressing because there’s an opportunity there for us,” he said.
“We’ve had a couple of good battles against them throughout the year, they’ve won both of them but in saying that they beat Newtown & Chilwell twice and lost to them (on Saturday).”
Departing St Joseph’s coach Paul Carson said it was disappointing to finish the season with a defeat but he was proud of the group’s season.
“We were a bit fumbly around the footy and their pressure was really good, but that’s finals footy and it was always going to be that way,” he said.
“The club is built for success, we didn’t win a premiership but we had a successful season and the club, as it’s built now, will definitely be a strong side over the next few years.”
‘Not given a yelp’: Dominant Eagles dismantle hapless Tigers
If there is one accolade that has eluded Newtown & Chilwell captain Matthew McMahon in a glittering GFL career, it is a premiership.
But after a resounding 20.11 (131) to 9.15 (69) victory against premiership contenders Colac, the three-time Mathieson Medalist is daring to dream.
“It’s really exciting to be around the club at the moment, it’s in the best place for success it has been for a very long time now,” he said.
“Being here (at Newtown & Chilwell) my whole life, the club’s success means everything to me.
“We’ve obviously got a big game against St Mary’s next week, but it’s hard not to picture the ultimate success when we win like this.”
The Eagles will play St Mary’s next week for a spot in the GFL grand final, while Colac will move to a semi final against the winner of the Leopold and St Joseph’s clash on Sunday.
Newtown & Chilwell’s unrelenting pressure around the ball caused fumbles and rushed disposals for Colac players, all while the Eagles midfield remained poised while going inside forward 50.
“We probably revolve our game around that pressure at the ball,” McMahon said.
“It’s no secret, but I think every side tries to bring that pressure, because when it’s good and that pressure is at a really high level it’s hard for the opposition to move the ball cleanly.
“We’ve got some great key backs and guys behind the ball, so if they can’t move the ball cleanly and quickly then it gives our guys back there a much easier job.”
Colac will be sweating on the health of Dustin Walters, who ended the day on crutches after hurting his ankle, as well as Lachlan Simpkin who played out the game with a sore back and tight hamstring.
Star Eagle Blake Sutterby seemingly had his own footy to use at West Oval, racking up plenty of touches while Matt Boag pushed forward and slotted six goals for the game.
Eagles coach Damien McMahon said it was an “extremely rewarding result”.
“Winning a final by 12 goals against a side of that quality is something you wouldn’t come to the game expecting,” he said.
“Our ability to tackle relentlessly and be rewarded by the umpires for really good technique was really impressive.
“When Colac got their hands on it they got reigned in pretty quickly, so that was a really pleasing aspect of the game.”
After the game, Colac co-coach Rowan McSparron let his side know how disappointed he was with them in the rooms, declaring the past two weeks were “the worst performances” he had seen in his time at the club.
“It’s disappointing to go through that again, that’s two weeks in a row we’ve not given a yelp,” he said.
“I would’ve thought last week was a flash in the pan but obviously not, if it continues we’ll be out in straight sets.”
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Originally published as Leopold v St Joseph’s: All news, updates and statistics from GFL finals
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