While the Bloods had a solid plan to take the game right up to the Dogs from the first bounce, it was the ladder leader who charged to a 73 point victory.
The first quarter saw Tocumeal match Strathy blow for blow.
Strathy knew the Bloods had come to play after a strong start with Baylee Morton scoring the first goal and the team having numerous scoring attempts after some hard fought battles and setting the tone early.
Strong ruck work by Zander Griffin saw him take the early dominance against his opponent providing first use of the ball to Tom Barker who was linking up well through the middle with Harvey White who was running at speed, breaking through the defensive lines and delivering the ball deep into the forward 50.
Hayden Davis battled strongly and was involved in many contests in the forward line winning his position.
Brock Thompson was a welcome return for Tocumwal after re-breaking his hand in his last game by providing a strong marking option around the ground helping set up teammates with opportunities in front of goals.
Fourths player Blair Eddy chimed in with a nice effort scoring Toc’s second goal.
Unfortunately a couple of undisciplined plays gave the Dogs twp goals on the back of penalties and they were back in front by five points at the end of the first quarter.
Despite Toc’s great start to the game, the second quarter saw the minor premiers show Tocumwal why they deserved their position at the top of the table.
They poured on five unanswered goals despite strong efforts in the backline by Braydie Wright, Oliver Smith, Ethan Jeffress and Jack Gowty.
The third quarter saw Tocumwal push the premiership favourites once again with strong run and carry by Bailey Mason out of the middle, supported by Chase Hardwidge and Mitch Condon who was applying great pressure with his pursuit and tackle attempts.
Mak Eddy made an instant impact when brought onto the field with two goals after attacking the ball and showing some of the older lads how to win the hard ball and play in front.
Raymond Sutton continued to impress with his tackling pressure and willingness to do the team thing, making the opposition earn every possession.
Patrick Bennett was also taking on the challenges of thirds footy by neutralising his opposition at every exchange and putting pressure on the kicker.
Strathy were too classy for the young Bloods winning comfortably in the end.
Best players named were Harvey White, Tom Barker, Zander Griffin, Brock Thompson, Hayden Davis and Jack Gowty.
Final score, Strathmerton 14.14 (104) to Tocumwal 4.7 (31).
Tocumwal will now take on the Deni Rovers in a semi final at Mathoura on Saturday.
23°C