By Nicholas Creely
SOUTH EAST FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
REVIEW – ROUND 14
Despite some nervous moments on Saturday, and pressure mounting after a patchy few months, Officer seems finals bound for the first time since 2004.
In a virtual elimination final between the Lions and Kangaroos, the pressure was certainly on to see who could grasp the fifth spot on the ladder with both hands.
The Kangaroos’ recent form has pointed to a side that has clearly earnt a chance at an elimination final come late August, with coach Doug Koop only recently describing the Kangaroos as “the best of the rest”.
The swirling wind down at Toomuc Reserve made life difficult for both sides, who were struggling to adjust to the conditions.
Despite kicking with the aid of a stiff breeze in the opening term, the Kangaroos’ defenders – led superbly by another commanding display by James Waldon – were able to limit the damage and restrict the Lions to just two opening term goals, and a slender one-point lead.
It clearly wasn’t enough for Ash Green’s side, who conceded the lead as expected to the Kangaroos, who slammed on three second term goals to take an 11-point lead into the main break.
After missing some time this season through injury, Matthew Clarke was looking dangerous in attack, and he was ably supported by Stephen Hawkins, who is putting together a strong patch of form entering the finals.
Once again, the Lions were unable to take advantage of the wind, and wrestled back the lead only slightly, but would be ruing missed opportunities after booting 3.4 to 1.1 in the term, potentially costing itself of building a nice buffer heading into the final stanza.
Standing tall and slamming the door shut for the Lions, the Kangaroos showed some maturity, cracking in at the contest despite the home side still desperate to take the game on and keep their season alive.
Ultimately, the Kangaroos had enough class on the outside to boot away, kicking five goals to one in the final term to draw clear of Tooradin and Pakenham with two rounds left to play.
With two games between the Seagulls in sixth spot, the Kangaroos can now prepare for their first finals series in 14 years, where they will almost certainly meet Leigh McQuillen’s Beaconsfield in an elimination final on 26 August.
Round 15 action this Saturday will see Officer travel to take on ladder leaders Narre Warren in a big test ahead of finals, while Pakenham hosts Cranbourne as they look to finish off the season with some respectability.
Pakenham 7.14 (56)
Officer 11.8 (74)
