Bloods earn grand final spot

by Davyd Reid
Trafalgar have overcome an undermanned Neerim-Neerim South to set up a date with Longwarry in the Ellinbank District grand final on Saturday.
With the Cats missing up to six first choice players, the Bloods kicked away in the second half to win 14-9 (93) to 6-6 (42) to earn a shot at favourites Longwarry in a decider to be played on the Bloods' home ground.
Trafalgar found shots within 20 metres directly in front to trouble Neerim-Neerim South's defence early, but still the Cats found a way to keep in touch.
Shane and Danny Brewster put through goals from close range to open proceedings.
Bailey George began a commendable forward half performance by soccering through from the pocket for the Cats' first. He would continue to read the ball well throughout the contest.
Klay Butler put through another for Trafalgar from directly in front, before Kody Wilson found Lachlan Guy in space to close the margin to just six-points at the first change.
Matthew Swenson made sure of the opening goal of the second term, taken to the goal square following a scuffle that broke out following a free kick.
Connor Noonan continued to provide trouble from the wing, a long shot skidding through before finding himself running into the open goal to boot it into the surrounding pine trees.
A dislocated thumb sustained in a marking contest on the wing had Bosman calling for attention, his decision to clear coming off as a torpedo found Farrell for a shot on the goal.
Unfortunately for the Bloods the play didn't result in the ultimate, with the shot missed.
Isaac Guy ensured the Cats would keep in touch at the long break, a rarely sighted deliberate rushed behind decision having some in the crowd debating its veracity as a rule in the Ellinbank District competition.
Dan Christian drifted back to mark and convert from centre half forward to put through the first of the third term, the Cats providing nuisance value by hovering around the two-to-three goal margin.
Wilson, Lachlan French, Bailey George, Harry Notman, Declan Bagot and Dean Stringer were helping the Cats stick around.
Trafalgar then made their move, putting through eight of the final 10 goals of the contest as the Bloods put their foot down from time on in the third term.
Bradley Hoffmann collected many defensive intercepts with Jace Butler, Kyle Beveridge, Dylan Farrell, Brayde Bosman and Nic Caddy leading the charge home.
Shane Brewster found William Claridge inside to edge the Bloods further ahead, before Farrell converted from a free kick from a hold to extend the lead to 24-points at the final change.
The lights were switched on as drizzle returned to begin the final term.
Swenson marked and goaled to begin a dominant final term where he would put through three goals as the Bloods charged home.
George took advantage of a slip from his opponent for a long goal, only for the Bloods to finish strongly with the next five goals.
Swenson was the hot hand, putting through a great goal from the pocket before converting from the lead soon after.
Beveridge made a clean scoop from the muddy surface to snap another great goal.
Danny Brewster sent the ball into the leading lane with Farrell finishing the work heading into time on.
Darcy Brock continued the pain for the Cats, putting through a brilliant soccer to extend the lead to 58-points.
George capped his strong performance with a consolation goal as the Bloods moved through to the decider.