In a much-anticipated Deni Rovers Katamatite clash, supporters were keen to see former Port Adelaide AFL players Justin Westhoff and Tom Jonas take to the field for the Tigers.
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Determined to spoil the fanfare, the Rovers were raring to take it up to the hosts.
Both teams wrestled momentum early, with the Tigers indicating their plans early, getting the ball forward to Westhoff at full forward, while the Rovers were led out of the middle by Tyson Willis and the midfield brigade.
It was a free flowing first quarter, with Katty five points ahead at quarter time 5.2 (32) to the Rovers 4.3 (27).
The Rovers were taking the game to the Tigers at the start of the second quarter before an extended delay in play.
With both teams emotionally charged, there were good passages of play for both sides, but Katamatite came out more clinical, with the stoppage halting the Rovers’ momentum.
At half-time Katamatite were ahead by 37 points having kept the Rovers scoreless for the quarter.
The Rovers came out hungrier after half-time, winning the quarter five goals, one behind to three goals and five behinds for Katty.
This meant the Rovers were down by 29 points at three-quarter time.
The Rovers were in the game and needed things to go their way, but Katty got away from the tired but unrelenting Rovers.
The usual suspects out of the midfield - Tyson Willis (two goals), Alex Hay (one goal), Logan Ives and Kyle Magro - gave the Rovers a chance to win the game.
Up forward, Hayden Barker was an effective avenue to goal, kicking four goals, while Jackson Muldoon-Leetham and Brody Wills slotted the remaining two.
The other outstanding player for the Rovers was Connor Didcock, who was immense in the backline for a side undermanned due to injuries.
Throughout the match, he denied multiple opportunities playing on the former AFL players.
Final score: Katamatite 19.12 (126) def Deni Rovers 9.7 (61).
Goals: Hayden Barker 4, Tyson Willis 2, Brody Wills, Jackson Muldoon-Leetham, Alex Hay.
Best: Tyson Willis, Alex Hay, Logan Ives, Hayden Barker, Kyle Magro, Connor Didcock.
Reserves
The seconds headed to Katandra with a more mature side than they have had for much of the season, bringing a wealth of experience and determination to the contest.
Rovers worked hard all day to restrict the opposition, holding them to just a couple of goals each quarter.
However, they were unable to apply scoreboard pressure of their own until the third quarter, when young Stuart Benger kicked the Rovers’ only goal for the match.
Despite the result, the match saw the special milestone of father-son duo, Shannon and Haydn Sampson, playing together for the Rovers.
The team welcomed new recruit Nikolas Miller, who was outstanding in the ruck and was named best on ground for his efforts.
He combined well with veteran Andy May through the midfield, who also earned a spot among the best players.
Peter Lewis, Alex Rourke, Nick Stubbings and Daniel Mison all worked tirelessly in defence, playing key roles in keeping Rovers competitive and were deservedly recognised among the best.
Goals: Stuart Benger.
Best: Nikolas Miller, Peter Lewis, Alex Rourke, Nick Stubbings, Andy May, Daniel Mison.
Final score: Katamatite 8.6 (54) def Deni Rovers 1.1 (7).