Bloods breeze past Cats
by Davyd Reid
Nine unanswered goals in the second half helped Trafalgar book a place alongside Longwarry in the second semi-final.
After a tight first half, the Bloods had all the answers in the second half as they kicked away to win 11-13 (79) to 4-10 (34).
Kai Mounsey snuck through the opener, only for Trafalgar to respond with a Brayde Bosman snap.
When Danny Brewster converted from centre half forward, it made it three goals in as many minutes in what was looming as a prelude to a high scoring shootout.
The contest then tightened in a competitive first half.
Aaron Hillberg put through a long, straight set shot to level the scores in the ninth minute.
Isaac Guy converted after he was held to give the Cats a narrow four-point advantage at the first change.
Despite the fast start, each side struggled to score in a highly contested second quarter.
It wasn't until time on that a goal was converted, the Cats finding Ash Lockett from a short pass to open a nine-point lead at the long break.
The Bloods began to get their same running game that devastated Longwarry earlier in the season, as they powered home with many of the Crows players looking on.
Brayde Bosman cut the margin courtesy of being advanced 50 metres.
The Bloods hit the front after going long to its tall targets and having Nic Caddy steal the crumbs to roll through a goal.
Caddy was soon again involved, finding space to set up Dylan Farrell for a mark and goal deep in the forward line.
Farrell proved a big presence around the ground, again stepping up in a big final with many pundits around the ground deeming him best player on the ground.
Another 50-metre penalty, this time for encroaching the mark, saw Blake Slater into the open goal.
With only a 15-point deficit, the Cats were still in the contest at the final change.
Dean Stringer was Neerim-Neerim South's best, repelling often from defence including getting the ball back four times during a run through the middle of the ground.
Bailey George, Harry Notman, Tyler Pratt, Ash Lockett and Josh White were also working hard to keep the Cats in the contest.
Hardy Kenny, Farrell, Liam Coulthard, Danny Brewster, Bosman and Dylan Gauci ensured Trafalgar would continue its second half surge.
Five final quarter goals saw the Bloods run away with it.
Shane Brewster converted first with a long goal from a holding the ball free kick, before brother Danny got involved after being held.
The Bloods centred to Shane Brewster for another, and it was again Danny with the follow up after he was set up by another strong Farrell mark.
Fittingly, it was Farrell capping it by running into an open goal after a quick handball from Slater.
