AFLDD MATCH REPORT
Goondiwindi Hawks vs Highfields Lions
Round 1 – 26 March 2011
Highfields Lions started their 2011 campaign with a 43-point win over the Goondiwindi Hawks in the first round of the 2011 AFLDD fixtures.
Highfields Lions pounced right from the first ball up, gaining more possession of the ball and converting in front of goal. The Hawks, on the other hand, were slow off the mark, struggling to get keep up with their opposition.
Cam Goulter, for the Hawks, posted their first points slotting his first goal and giving Goondiwindi a much-needed confidence boost. After another quick goal by the Hawks, the Lions regained control kicking two more goals, leading by 20 points at the first break.
Goondiwindi completely turned the game around in the second quarter, winning centre clearances and constantly moving the ball forward. The Hawks’ work rate increased, along with their intensity in tackling their opponents, manning up and pressuring the Lions. Key on-baller, Andy Thomas, started 2011 the way he ended last year, racking up possessions, tackling and chasing hard.
Hawks’ Eric Maunder also continued with his 2010 form tackling hard and contesting the ball at every opportunity. The Hawks outscored and outplayed Highfields for the majority of the second term only to permit the Lions to regain some momentum and allow them to retain the advantage going into the long break.
Both teams battled furiously in the third term and a determined Lions outfit scored the first points of the quarter, with two quick goals. Highfields had more possession but were inaccurate in front of goal.
Goondiwindi Hawks were still in with a chance at the start of the final quarter; the Lions still within striking distance with a lead of 25 points.
Some basic skill errors crept into the Hawks’ game when put under pressure in the final term, however Goondiwindi dug deep, refusing to give up. Highfields had the momentum in moving the ball towards their goal but, once again, inaccuracy cost them dearly kicking 8 behinds.
Highfields’ Jarrod Hill was their stand out player, who ran all day. Hawks’ young Tyson Haigel really stood up in the forward line, bagging 4 goals for the match. Goondiwndi’s backline, although lacking experience, never gave up, can only improve with each game.
Hawks’ new coach, Stephen Dukes, stated after the game that he was “pleased with their efforts in their first hit out.” “There were key players who stood up and presented themselves, which was very pleasing. They played unselfish footy and did not stop trying even in the final quarter.”
Next week the Hawks travel to Harristown Park, Toowoomba to play Souths Bombers, who just last week beat the 2010 premiers, Toowoomba Tigers. This will be a tough battle.
Final Scores:
Teams 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr Final Score
Goondiwindi Hawks 2.1 (13) 6.3 (39) 9.4 (58) 10.6 (66)
Highfields Lions 5.3 (33) 8.6 (54) 12.11 (83) 15.19 (109)
Goondiwindi Goalkickers: Tyson Haigel 4, Jeremy Leahy 2, Joe Verney 2,
Cam Goulter 1, Eric Maunder 1
Goondiwindi Best Players: Andy Thomas, Eric Maunder, Tyson Haigel, Cam
Goulter, Matt Leven, Ben Kent
Highfields Best Players: Jarrod Hills
Kim Thomas
Goondiwindi Hawks
Last Modified on 11/04/2011 19:16