Colts Report - Round 19

Derby Day at East Fremantle Oval started with an emphatic win by the South Fremantle Colts team.  The victory has given the side an opportunity for a fourth successive 2^nd semi-final.  The fine weather was a welcome change as the boys revelled in the drier conditions.  The pressure was displayed early as many of the Sharks players fumbled under the fierce attack on the ball by the Bulldogs.  South’s ability to hold the ball in the attacking zone was only tempered by the lack of scoreboard pressure.

Jake Florenca was able to ignite the scoring with a clever snap that defied physics and this was quickly followed up by a more conventional goal from Matthew Ah Siu.  Matty was once again instrumental in winning the ball through the midfield and set up another best on ground performance.  He along with Kade Stewart and debutant Dylan Brown were the prime movers early as they won the contested ball and gave us first use.  As the pressure mounted, the Big Red V loomed large in the eyes of the Sharks defenders and they become overwhelmed by the torrent of attacking moves by the South side.

The scoreboard started to tick over in the second quarter as Cam Loersch kicked his 49^th goal of the season and Anthony Nodari celebrated his return to the team with his first.  The Sharks forwards were held goalless for the first half by the backline lead by captain Bradd McPhail.  He along with Jamie Foster and Luke Pearson managed to control the flow of play and repeatedly force the ball toward the dominant South’s midfield.

After the main break Loersch registered his 50^th goal which seemed to rally the team to greater efforts.  A seven goal third term was just the tonic as the team found their form of old and completely dominated the game.  Corey Salmon, Bailey Matera and Brandon Donaldson revelled in the dry conditions, running rings around the opposition and collecting possessions at will.

The final term played out with East Fremantle kicking two consolation goals and South finishing with four of their own.  Loersch finished with four goals for the day and was ably assisted on the ground with James Culleton crumbing the ball and Nodari placing pressure on the Sharks backline.  Other multiple goal scorers were Matera 2, Stewart 2 and best on ground Ah Siu with 2.

The side now looks to consolidate the win with another tough contest with Peel this week at Fremantle Oval.

Arthur Maskos
SFFC Colts Coach