After coming off their first win of the season, the Tocumwal senior side made the short trip to Katunga on Saturday for what was always going to be a hard-fought and competitive game.
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With both sides eyeing valuable premiership points, the contest lived up to expectations, delivering four quarters of high-pressure, physical football in front of a strong local crowd.
Right from the opening bounce, it was clear this would be a tight contest.
Both sides came out with intent, and the scoreboard reflected the arm-wrestle nature of the first half.
Just a couple of goals separated the teams at each of the breaks, with neither side able to gain a significant upper hand.
Tocumwal’s defensive structures held up well, and the midfield worked tirelessly to match Katunga in contested possessions.
The forward line looked dangerous throughout the day.
Flynn Tonks was a constant presence inside 50, finishing the game with five majors and proving to be a real headache for the Katunga defenders.
He was well supported by Sam Hatty, Jack Tyndall, Brayden Hall and Xavier Walker, who all chipped in with a goal apiece and created opportunities through forward pressure and clever ball use.
Heading into the final term, the game was still very much in the balance.
Tocumwal had generated more scoring shots by the final siren, but inaccuracy in front of goal ultimately proved costly.
Several chances went begging, while Katunga made the most of their limited opportunities, kicking truly and pulling away late to record a 26-point win.
Despite the final result, the effort from Toc players could not be questioned.
There were strong performances across the ground, with Blair Eddy leading by example across the wing and around the contest.
Sam Hatty put in a tireless effort across half-forward and midfield, while Lachlan McDonald was rock solid, applying consistent pressure throughout.
Maxim Mickelson continued his strong form, Harvey White provided great run and poise with ball in hand, and Xavier Walker was influential at both ends.
Final score: Tocumwal 9.7 (61) def by Katunga 13.9 (87).
Best Players: Blair Eddy, Sam Hatty, Lachlan McDonald, Maxim Mickelson, Harvey White, Xavier Walker
Goals: Tonks 5, Hatty, Tyndall, Hall, Walker.
Awards: Josh Mosman for a strong presence around the contest with a courageous and consistent effort all day; Dane Maxwell provided relentless pressure and effort, a key contributor across four quarters; Charles Locke who played his role superbly with great discipline and intensity.
While the scoreboard didn’t reflect the effort and intent the players brought to the match, there is plenty to build on.
With more accurate finishing and continued belief in the system, the side will be well positioned to bounce back this week.
The group remains united and committed, and the club looks forward to taking on the next challenge with the same energy and determination.
Reserves:
The reserves put together their best game yet, showing real improvement and grit across the ground.
Some great individual efforts from Blake Aglinskas, Dylan Maxwell, Kane Wardlaw, Jordan Findlay, Jirra Letcher and Kaiden Meda helped keep the pressure on and set the tone for what’s to come.
Plenty to build on; need to keep chipping away.
Final score: Tocumwal 3.7 (25) def by Katunga 11.9 (75).
Goals: R Shepherd, J Dickins, S Atleys.
Best: B Aglinskas, D Maxwell, K Wardlaw, J Findlay, J Letcher, K Meda.
Awards: B Aglinskas, J Dickins, D Maxwell.
Thirds:
The thirds recorded five straight wins with a commanding victory over Katunga.
Liam Sutton was unstoppable up forward, slotting nine goals in a dominant display.
He was well supported by Logan White and Rory Shepherd with three each, while Chace Brunskill added two to the tally.
The boys were fierce from the first bounce and didn’t let up all day - another strong team effort.
Final score: Tocumwal 19.12 (126) def Katunga 0.2 (2).
Goals: L Sutton 9, L White 3, R Shepherd 3, C Brunskill 2, C Dickins, D Cameron.
Best: L Sutton, L White, C Brunskill, C Palmer, D Palmer.
Awards: C Dickins, D Cameron, S Bennett, J Herezo, R Shepherd
Fourths:
The fourths put on a dominant display against Katunga, storming home with an impressive victory.
With eight different goal kickers and Charlie Wilson bagging three, the scoreboard told the story of a great team effort.
Ollie East was on fire in his 50th game, leading from the front and setting the tone early.
It was great to see the younger players stepping up and being brought into the game as well – the future’s looking bright. Well done young Bloods
Final score: Tocumwal 11.11 (77) def Katunga 1.0 (6).
Goals: C Wilson 3, O East 2, A Watt, B O’Donnell, A Chellew, L Grieves, H Wilson, B Koopman.
Best: O East, H Wilson, J Watson, A Chellew, B Brunskill, L Petersen.
Awards: H Wilson, O East, B Koopman, N Dickins, A Watt, B O’Donnell.
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