Sport
12 September, 2022
Lions charge into mane event with big win
HARCOURT 11.12 (78) def NATTE BEALIBA 5.7 (37) Harcourt secured their first senior football grand final berth since 2007 with a stunning performance, ending Natte Bealiba’s three-year reign as premiers of the competition. In what was an incredibly...
HARCOURT 11.12 (78) def NATTE BEALIBA 5.7 (37)
Harcourt secured their first senior football grand final berth since 2007 with a stunning performance, ending Natte Bealiba’s three-year reign as premiers of the competition.
In what was an incredibly dominant execution of the game plan, the Lions were able to restrict the Swans’ ball movement around the ground, with their forward-half pressure able to restrict the Swans to just three scoring shots in the opening three quarters, before they at least regained some respectability with a three-goal final term to reduce the final margin slighty.
The danger signs were evident from the opening bounce, with Harcourt dominating the early play. They were able to generate many inside 50s, but were only able to score four behinds. On the other hand, Natte Bealiba made the most of their first deep inside 50 entry, with Trent Mortlock scoring a stunning goal from a stoppage to open their account.
However, it sprung Harcourt into life, as they were able to respond with the next two goals. Fittingly, it would be best on ground Darby Semmens who was able to respond with the Lions’ first goal, right when they needed it — a great running goal from 35 meters out was a big lift, and it was followed up by Berry Powell trophy winner Brayden Frost, who converted from a set shot to help the Lions lead by 11 points at quarter time.
The Lions dominated proceedings in the second quarter, despite kicking into what was perceived to be a strong breeze. Instead, they made a mockery of any logic that might have played against them, keeping the ball locked inside their forward 50 for large parts, and playing disciplined football when Natte Bealiba were able to progress forward of centre.
Goals to Alex Code and Sam Kerr ensured Harcourt would take a 25-point cushion into half time.
It was the third quarter which effectively sealed the Lions’ grand final berth. While knowing that Natte Bealiba would have been desperate for a response, they were able to kick four goals to one to lead by a game-high 46 points at the final change.
The Swans were able to have their best quarter in their final term of the season, kicking three goals, but it was the Lions’ day, kicking three goals of their own to win by 41 points.
Lions’ co-coach Daniel Wridgway paid tribute to the performance of his club on an afternoon where they were able to take their chances.
“It’s massive. We had everything rolling in 2021 and we didn’t get the opportunity to play finals. Everything is coming together at the right end of the year, and we had that one goal in mind at the start of the season. But everyone has stuck fat, and we’re playing great footy. We’re looking forward to next Saturday,” he said.
“Natte Bealiba are a fantastic team — there’s a reason why they are the reigning premiers. Their ability to spread from the contest and their ball use really stand out.
“We went in there with the outlook of taking their strengths away from them, and we wanted to rectify the fact that they exposed us earlier in the season on the outside. Their ball movement was fantastic, and we took it away from them this time, and we were also able to sustain it for four quarters, which was great.”
Wridgway is now looking forward to the challenge of playing against Carisbrook, a team that was able to beat them by 16 points on their deck earlier in the season.
“We have that belief in the group, but we don’t want to get too far ahead. We have to respect every opposition. Carisbrook have beaten us this year. They are a fantastic team still very much in the hunt,” he said.
“We have an incredibly talented team. What takes us from a good team to a great team is the fact that we have all bought in to what we are doing. Players have been playing sacrificial roles, and they are not afraid to put the team before themselves. They are happy not to play the champagne footy to ensure the team succeeds.
“We have been committed to doing everything right this year.”
Harcourt will now focus on nursing some sore bodies through the week to ensure they will be at full fitness for their grand final meeting with Carisbrook.
