Hawks crash into semi

By Ken Moore
DROUIN crashed into the first Gippsland League semi-final by thrashing Leongatha by 62 points at Wonthaggi in Sunday’s elimination final, exacting revenge for a loss to the Parrots in the corresponding game last season.
The Hawks’ performance was a vastly improved effort on their round 17 loss to Leongatha. They led from the outset and won all four quarters in their most complete performance of the season.
Drouin’s midfield, led by Andy Soumilas with 35 possessions and Pat McGrath with 32 disposals, was superb. Both were in and under the packs all day and mounted forward thrusts with regular monotony.
Wingman Brad Walker hit the packs hard and Clint Proctor, back from VFL team Frankston Dolphins, added plenty of bite and pace and used the ball smartly.
The only criticism of Drouin was a tendency to hang on to the ball too long on a few occasions, but its defence was accountable. It was led by Jay Barr, who kept Parrots sharpshooter Dwayne Holt to a solitary goal, while Aaron Coyle blanketed rising Parrots forward and thirds captain Nick Nagle.
Damian Carmody and Justin Evans provided good cover across defence, while at the other end Drouin packed too many guns with Troy Kneebone (five goals), Chris Dunne (four) and Brad Carmody teaming together well.
The pressure applied by the Hawks made the Parrots cough up the ball far too often.
It will be Drouin’s first appearance in a semi-final since losing to ROC in the West Gippsland League in 2004.
For Leongatha, it was a disappointing way to finish a season, in which it has made significant progress in developing its younger brigade.
Ruckman Justin Sutherland kept the Parrots competitive early with plenty of good work around the ground and Matt Willcocks troubled the Stars with some strong early grabs.
Across centre half-back Rhett McLennan repelled plenty of attacks and Marc Truscio (four goals) floated around the forward line with intent.
Wingman Tom Dowd did well in the first half and was moved into the middle in the second half where he and tough youngster Tom Marriot made their presence felt.
MEANWHILE, in a high-standard and entertaining clash, last season’s runner-up, Traralgon, won through to a semi-final clash with Maffra after a hard-fought point victory over Morwell.
The Maroons set up victory in the first quarter, when they outscored the Tigers by six goals to one but, despite the slow start, Morwell refused to yield and showed plenty of fortitude to whittle back the deficit to only four points at half-time.
And with a solid third quarter it was well within striking distance, being only nine points in arrears at three-quarter-time before Traralgon drew clear late in the last quarter.
Maroons ruckman Rohan Hore dominated in the ruck and across the forward line, popping through three goals and he was widely judged best on ground.