Sport
1 July, 2024
Lions’ winning reign ends
NATTE BEALIBA 12.12 (84) def HARCOURT 9.4 (58) Harcourt’s extraordinary 35-game winning streak has come to an end, with Natte Bealiba assuming premiership favouri-tism by making a stunning last-quarter statement at CHS Broadbent Oval. There was...
NATTE BEALIBA 12.12 (84) def HARCOURT 9.4 (58)
Harcourt’s extraordinary 35-game winning streak has come to an end, with Natte Bealiba assuming premiership favouri-tism by making a stunning last-quarter statement at CHS Broadbent Oval.
There was plenty of promise leading in to the day, with both teams coming in unbeaten, and with sporadic wet weather, the pressure was intense for much of the day.
The game also saw the return of the pink ball, with the Swans supporting their breast cancer awareness round.
Neither team could really be separated for a large portion of the afternoon, although the Swans were marginally better to start the game, leading by three points at the opening change, with both teams kicking one goal apiece.
There was a little bit of a pattern throughout the afternoon, however. In the second quarter, the Lions were able to take all their opportunities that came to them, kicking four goals from five scoring shots, while the Swans managed three goals from seven scoring shots, with scores level at 32 apiece at the main break.
Neither team could attain the ascendancy in the third quarter, with the game essentially going goal for goal. After both teams kicked three goals for the term from four scoring shots, the quarter ended as it started, with scores level at 51.
But the last quarter saw the Swans dominate.
Two years to the round where the Lions last tasted defeat against Navarre, the game followed a similar script to that afternoon, where the Swans ran away with the game when push came to shove.
A final quarter red and white frenzy which saw five final-quarter goals to one meant that the Swans were able to take the win by 26 points, and premiership favouritism with it.
The ruck duel between Austin McKenzie and Jordan Gartside promised to be a thriller, and both big men delivered with an epic battle, with both players named as their best in their respective teams.
Considering the conditions, Natte’s big men relished the big game atmosphere.
Jake Postle was also given his flowers for a stellar game, while Daniel Vadala, Bailey Jacobs, Toby Beavis and Jayden Templeton were also named in the best.
Nathan Dellavedova and the brothers Mortlock — Trent and Jye — kicked two goals apiece to lead the way for the Swans.
Alongside Gartside for the Lions, Riely Thiesz, Joshua Hogg, Thomas Walters, playing-coach Carl Thiesz and Trent Leech were all named in the best players.
Walters, Jed Rodda, Cameron Anderson and Ben Leech all kicked two goals apiece in the loss.