Colts Report - Semi Final

THE Bulldogs colts side has booked its third grand final appearance in as many years with a stirring come from behind win against Claremont at Claremont Oval on Sunday.

Both sides started with some fine play in the first quarter and the spoils were shared as they went into the first break on an even footing. Ben Sokol stood out early with some telling grabs and was the Bulldogs main avenue to goals along with 15-year-old Callum Ah Chee.

Bailey Matera was also creative early with his run and tenacity moving the ball forward to his team mates advantage. Facing the next quarter against the wind, the Claremont side proved to be the experts of the second term as they harassed the South boys and ran hard to spread from the resulting turnovers.

They showed that they can create opportunities from a determined effort and mindset. They went in the main break with a four goal buffer which may have been much larger if not for the efforts of the composed back-line of the Bulldogs.

Tom Vandeleur was a rock in defence and took many telling marks to save his side countless times. He along with Matty Gundry, Bradd McPhail, Mitch Banks and Dylan Main held fast under a barrage of offensive thrusts and were able to keep their side in touch with a rampaging Tigers side.

After some stern words from the coach, about their poor second quarter, the boys were able to play their running brand of football into the wind and eradicate the deficit quickly to gain a foothold in the contest. Bill Frampton stood tall at half forward and gave a target for the running back-line. He proved a handful by not only his height but also his second efforts on the ground.

His presence gave those around him great confidence and in doing so they all lifted. The move of Ben Sokol and Dylan Main to the midfield was definitely a major influence on the Souths side winning multiple centre clearances as ruckman Daniel Moore competed well against a much larger opponent.

This proved the telling aspect of the game as both sides were very good in converting centre breaks into scoring opportunities. The run of Jarrod Garlett and the ball use of Braden Fimmano complimented the gritty work by James Culleton around the stoppages.

With the wind in their sails the Bulldogs were relentless with their aggression and ran out a great last quarter with five goals while holding the Tigers goalless.

It was a great comeback done with style and hard work both from the playing group and the coaching staff that produced a stunning result.

The playing group were reminded that the quality second half effort has only given them an opportunity for better things if they are prepared to knuckle down and put all their energies into being ready for the biggest game of the year in two weeks’ time.

We look forward in representing the club along with Tony Walters and his reserves boys on grand final day.

Arthur Maskos
SFFC Colts Coach