The Blighty seniors came up against a strong Katunga side, who were fighting for the double chance at the weekend.
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Coach Kyel Bain said even though it did not show up on the scoreboard, the Redeyes put up one hell of a fight.
“I'd just like to thank every player in the seniors or seconds who played,” he said.
“Even though the scoreboard didn't show it, we never dropped our heads and battled on in a tough but enjoyable season.
“Thank you to the thirds boys who stepped up and played, it was much appreciated.
“And also to our trainers, without you most blokes we wouldn't have been on the field.”
Bain wished the fourths footballers and under-17 netballers good luck as they make their way into finals.
Final score: Blighty 1.1 (7) def by Katunga 36.21 (237).
What a finish for the Blighty reserves.
The seconds brought home their first win of the season in the last game of the season.
The determination in the players’ hearts was constant all through the game.
Not one player even looked like giving up and it showed in the result.
Not just their first win of the season, Saturday was actually the reserves’ first win since the 2019 grand final.
“The players wanted this one, and the pressure right round the ground was next level,” co-coach Dion Winter said.
“Myself and Nappies (Brett Napier) have been honoured to coach this group of fellas.
“We finished on a high.
“After a couple of rough years however, this one win felt like a grand final on our last game.”
Final score: Blighty 6.6 (42) def Katunga 1.11 (17).
Best ons included Andrew Simpson, who was described as the “heart and soul” of the team.
He proved that he’s willing to compete and show improvement with every game with his great footy all year.
Chris Hovenden kicked his first goal in his whole footy career at 38 years of age, and thought one wasn’t enough so he’ll make it two.
Ricky Gazzara has performed well all year and shows great team spirit, awarding him a third best on.
“All the boys have roughed it out for two years,” Winter said.
“It’s been hard but they continue to train and show up on game day.
“Structure is key for a good footy team and this shows it’s developing.”
Coming into the last round of the 2022 season, Saturday was a must win game for the thirds.
One clear game ahead of Katunga but lower on percentage, Blighty needed to string together four quarters of great football to play finals.
Unfortunately the Redeyes had three key players pull out Saturday morning due to injury and illness, but nonetheless the rest of the group were ready to fire.
In the first quarter, we started a little slow and let Katunga control to much of the play out of the midfield.
Coming into the second quarter, our midfield boys tightened up, made a good contest and then started to move the ball forward.
Going into half-time, Katunga had a good lead but Blighty knew what they had to do.
In the third stanza, all the boys really lifted and started to control the football more.
In the final quarter, the top age players stepped up and took full control with great run and talk.
Unfortunately it was too late to gain back the lead.
Final score: Blighty 6.6 (42) def by Katunga 11.5 (71).
Best players for the day were Dean Macdonald, Henry Michael, Kobi Baxter, Riley Huckin and James Bridge.
The fourths went into the final match of the home and away season just one spot behind Katunga, so everyone knew it was going to be a cracking match.
Unfortunately it was one of those games where things didn’t go Blighty’s way.
Katunga took full advantage, and were the better side on the day.
This was a finals preview as the two teams will meet again this weekend.
Final score: Blighty 1.1 (7) def by Katunga 6.8 (44).
Better players for the day included Jarred Hislop, who played an absolute blinder. He’s defensive work was just next level.
Ash Hines played another great game, using his silky skills and tackling pressure.
Mr reliable Cobi Johnson had another great game. His run and carry through the middle of the ground created plenty of play for us.
Haydn Sampson, coming off the wing and using his fast pace, was getting amongst it everywhere.
Darcy Johnson‘s hard work around ground paid off and he racked up plenty of possessions. He is one of those kids who just gives you 100 per cent each week.
Angus Lawson played another dominant game in the forward line.
The youngest Redeyes, the fifths, took on a quality Katunga side who came out ready to play.
Our little guns played an absolute cracker of a game, walking away with the win for our last game of the season.
Best on ground for the day went to Sam Strong, who battles hard all game and got in and did the hard work.
Tommy Dudley also received an award for his efforts on the day. He also battles hard and goes in hard at every contest.
Lachlan Marshall is starting to come out of his shell, showing us what he is made of and Liam Gordan was rewarded for consistently being in amongst the action and getting plenty of the ball.
Zane Sibraa, the birthday boy, received an award for applying plenty of pressure throughout out the game and attacking the football hard.
Andrew Frost was as reliable as ever, Seth Boyer battled hard all game down in the back line and Charlie Tremble received the last award for running hard all game, getting amongst the team.
Results from fifths games are not officially recorded.
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