AFLDD MATCH REPORT
Goondiwindi Hawks vs Coolaroo
Round 18 – 14 August 2010
away season with three teams level on points but only separated by percentage - Coolaroo, Souths and Warwick.
Goondiwindi, sitting in sixth position, had an unenviable task of trying to knock Coolaroo out of the final series, having beaten the Roos last time they met. The Hawks gave the Roos an almighty scare.
Coolaroo were strong in the opening minutes of the first quarter gaining plenty of possessions, winning centre clearances and converting on the scoreboard. Goondiwindi were typically slow to start but clawed their way back, improving their intensity at the ball and challenging the Roos at every turn. Coolaroo leading into the first change by 13 points.
The second quarter was a mammoth one. Once again, Coolaroo started strongly but the Hawks refused to allow the Roos to get too far ahead, fighting for every possession. The Hawks played some inspirational footy but the Roos were not going to just lie down. It was the intensity displayed by both teams that showed desperation footy.
At the major break, there were only two goals separating the teams.
After a stirring half time speech by Dave O’Toole, the players battled hard for the ball in the third term. Possession changed regularly. Hawks would get on top then the Roos would claw their way back; then the roles reversed.
Half way through the third term, Goondiwindi had four attempts at shooting for goal but the Coolaroo defence was strong but passion and desperation creates heroes and on the fifth attempt Michael “Habib” Lynn scored a precious goal to make it a 1 point ballgame.
Yet the Roos fought back scoring in front of goal to stay in front at the final change.
Desperation is the best way to describe the footy played in the final quarter. All players were battling fatigue but neither team was willing to give up control. This battle continued to rage fiercely, the Roos battling to play finals footy whilst the Hawks were playing for pride and respect.
Hawks’ Eric Maunder, Dave O’Toole and Stuart Lowe played like warriors for the Hawks whilst Darren Copland and Tom Rudolph were outstanding for the Roos.
Coolaroo had to work very hard to grind out a 21 pont win over an ever improving young Hawks outfit. All in all, it was a tough, physical encounter and AFL footy was the winner this day.
“It was a gutsy effort from the Hawks boys, and I was extremely proud of all of them,” stated Dave O’Toole at the end of the match. “Although we had a few unavailable for this match, the boys made Coolaroo work hard for the win and everyone contributed well.”
Congratulations to Hawks’ Dave O’Toole on finishing third in the AFL Darling Downs Holman Medal Count for Best & Fairest. He had an exceptional season.
Although there are no more senior games for the Hawks, Goondiwindi’s Under 16 team has reached the semi finals, finishing fourth. This Saturday they travel to Toowoomba to play South Toowoomba in the first semi final, the loser of this match will bow out of the finals.
The Goondiwindi Hawks wish to express their best wishes to the Under 16 team and their coaching and management staff. Give it your best shot!
Final Scores:
Teams 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr Final Score
Coolaroo Roos 5.2 (32) 10.5 (65) 13.8 (86) 16.11 (107)
Goondiwindi Hawks 3.1 (19) 8.4 (52) 11.6 (72) 13.8 (86)
Goondiwindi Goalscorers: Tyson Haigel 5, Andy Thomas 4, Michael Lynn 3, Dave O’Toole 1
Goondiwindi Best: Eric Maunder, Dave O’Toole, Stuart Lowe, Joe Verney, Jeremy
Leahy, Max Richardson, Russ Baldock, Tyson Haigel, Andy
Thomas
Kim Thomas
(Ph: 46309424)
Last Modified on 15/04/2011 17:24