South Barwon book its place in second consecutive GFNL grand final with 30-point win over St Joseph’s
It might not be your day, but it could be your moment. That footy cliche was proved true yet against after a South Barwon star stepped up to deliver the killer blow against St Joseph’s.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
It might not be your day, but it could be your moment.
It’s a well-worn footy cliché but it was proved true yet again on a gusty Saturday in an error-riddled GFNL preliminary final as South Barwon booked its place in a second successive decider and a chance to get one back on the reigning premier, Leopold.
South Barwon star Fraser Fort, who kicked five goals in a stunning second quarter against St Mary’s last Sunday, had been well held at West Oval by key defender Liam Betson.
However, with the Swans holding a 17-point lead and kicking into a strong breeze, Fort laid a monster tackle on Alex Hickey just outside the 50m arc.
Whether it was holding the ball or not is up for debate, but Fort was taken to the goal square after a 50m penalty was paid.
With Fort’s accurate conversion putting the Swans 23 points clear, it appeared to break St Joseph’s’ back and end a season which started with 18 straight victories.
Just as decisively, Joeys would kick three behinds into the breeze across two quarters while South Barwon produced 5.5 at the same end, including four majors in the last in a relative deluge.
“I thought that was a critical moment,” Neeld said of Fort’s tackle.
“There are lessons all the time in sport, and that was a lesson, it wasn’t his day but at a critical moment, six foot six, did a run-down tackle and kicked a goal from it.”
South Barwon eventually won 9.12 (66) to 4.12 (36).
The Swans will now have a chance for premiership redemption next Friday at GMHBA Stadium.
“We’re playing a team we’ve really struggled with, we understand that, we’ll go out and give it our best shot,” he said.
“I think both teams are different, Leopold clearly have every right to be sitting back now smiling.
“They’re a wonderful footy side, they’re coached exceptionally well, they’ve got every right to feel confident.
“Obviously nobody will give us a chance but … it’s a different team with different players.
“Last year is last year, this year’s different.”
Earlier, South Barwon had all the play in the opening term and would have been disappointed with just a 20-point buffer at the first break.
After a number of wayward attempts – including three out of bounds – Matt Caldow’s set shot was smartly directed to the right post before bending back in flight, influencing Lachlan Noble to do the same.
A dangerous tackle decision against Oliver Northam was brought within range after a 50m penalty and Lachlan Middleton also converted.
Apart from Paddy De Grandi’s poster, after taking a tremendous mark, Joeys struggled with forward connection.
And there were further danger signs when Harry Cunningham slotted the opening major of the second to lead by 25 points.
However, St Joseph’s would ultimately respond, cutting the margin to just 12 points with consecutive goals through Oscar Morrison and another great mark from De Grandi.
A Jack Buckley barrel from the goal square almost landed in the middle of the ground, such was the force of the wind at Geelong West.
However, South Barwon’s defenders like Blair Huggins and Rowan Gough regularly intercepted, while the latter took a fine one hander in the third term.
After football’s version of gridlock for the majority of the game, a rare piece of fluent play felt like a dagger blow to the Joeys as Cunningham, off half back, found Fort who then placed the ball perfectly into the grasp of Jonty Broughton for South Barwon’s fifth major.
Holding a 19-point buffer, South Barwon’s pressure and tackling was terrific in the final term, with Huggins saving an almost certain goal when he brought down Josh Nurnaitis in the pocket.
When Matt Caldow picked out Chris Hughes inside 50 with a terrific grab it was party time for South Barwon as they continue their search for their first GFNL flag since 2013.
Originally published as South Barwon book its place in second consecutive GFNL grand final with 30-point win over St Joseph’s
Hawkins’ fitting farewell as Cats star claims B&F win
The hot favourite has taken out Geelong’s best and fairest, and Tom Hawkins was recognised for his hefty off-field contributions in his final season. Recap the Carji Greeves Medal night here.
Fake tans and teapot poses: Hawkins on the highs and lows of 18 B&Fs
Emma Hawkins and husband, retiring star Tom, are veterans of the Cats’ best and fairest awards. Emma reveals her hits and misses over the years and her best advice for the after-party.