Young gun Brodie Lake on fire in Southern Districts’ 10-goal win over Waratah at Fred’s Pass

IN its last chance to excite supporters before embarking on another NTFL finals campaign, Southern Districts impressed against Waratah at Fred’s Pass

Brodie Lake was in sensational form for Southern Districts in their big win over Waratah. Picture: AMY BLAKE. AFLNT MEDIA

IN its last chance to excite supporters before embarking on another NTFL finals

campaign, Southern Districts impressed against Waratah at Fred’s Pass.

Playing a team-brand of footy, the Crocs won 17.13 (115) to 8.7 (55).

Although not qualified to play NTFL finals, former AFL star Jared Brennan

opened the scoring at the three-minute mark with a typically elegant left-foot

long shot which registered a six-pointer for the Crocs.

The good spirit of the match was upset soon after when future AFL draft hopeful Brandon Rusca was stretchered off following a strong tackle.

Players and officials from both sides became agitated and Districts veteran player Matt Cannard was reported twice by field umpires and sent from the field for the remainder of the game.

A warranted 50m penalty to Tahs half-forward Jamie Smith finally got them on

the goal side of the scoreboard, however, three more first-quarter majors to

Districts, including another to Brennan, gave them the advantage at the first

break.

Waratah opened the scoring in the second term through Nick Gooch and

although his team had plenty of the ball, they weren’t as precise with hand and

foot as Districts and were again outscored.

Although a 10-goal third term favoured the home side, Waratah had plenty of

highlights including a brace of goals to defender-cum-forward Tim Mosquito

and a clever snap from debutant Francis Kantilla.

A running, weaving goal to Croc spearhead Will Farrer at the start of the final

quarter was one of the few intriguing aspects of the game as both sides were

seemingly going through the motions - Tahs were already out of finals

contention and other results on the day relegated Districts to an elimination

final next week.

A bright spot for the Crocs was the form of young-gun Brodie Lake who was

majestic at both ends of the ground.