Coopers - Friday Footy Review

Woodsmen Consolidate Outright 2nd Spot

Playing at home on a cold Friday night at the nest last week, the Woodies consolidated 2nd spot on the ladder with a convincing 8 goal victory over 3rd placed Sandgate in front of a disappointing crowd!

Rocked once again in the 10 minutes before the game by 4 late outs, the Woodies managed to scrap together a strong 22 despite the hiccups and after a weak first half – improved their play considerably as the game wore on.

Before the game, Sean Toohey failed to overcome a rib injury, defending B&F winner Sam Curtis was unable to overcome a significant hip complaint, Scott ‘Burnsy’ Matthews succumbed to a calf injury and Sammy Long proved that 38 year old hamstrings don’t repair inside 2 weeks – much to everyones shock…!

Coming into the side were club stalwart Dylan Mudge after missing multiple weeks due to international work travel, young colt Cameron Smith and former coach Scott Keane with the former 2 having significant impact on the game and old ‘Keno’ proving to be a solid impact player late the game as well!  Huge thanks to Cam Smith for making himself available for a late call-up and distinguishing himself with a bit of dash and skill off half-back.

The Woodies were a little slow out of the blocks, failing to gain any continuity in their ball movement – but keeping the scoreboard ticking over nicely.  Big G. Moore was proving a handful across half-forward, while Hockley and Woods were working their way into the game nicely through the midfield.

The Woodies held a slender 8 point lead at half time, with Irish Sammy Banim having a strong showing in the forward half with his pace and skill – while Elliot Heath was consistent throughout the game with his attack on the footy and ability to apply pressure on the opposition.  Big Moore also had 2 early goals on the board, including a lovely long bomb from well outside 50 after a strong mark.

In the 2nd half the Woodies began to get on top, moving the ball cleanly from stoppages and hitting targets with more regularity.  Recognising the over crowded forwardline, the Woodies also isolated Chris Mihalopoulos deep and the result was the ‘Mika’ show in the 2nd half as he regularly took strong marks and turned his opponent inside out at ground level to finish with 6 goals.

Pleasingly, other strong games were had by 2nd gamers Fraser Bliesner through the middle and on the flanks – while Travis Young was a revelation down back with his spoiling and clean hands and vision setting up many clean exits from defence.

Thomson competed hard with a bigger opponent in the ruck, but also floated back to take some telling grabs – but surely the feature of this game were his running (shuffling) bounces up the wing!

After a strong 2nd half, the Woodies ran out 8 goal winners 12.8 – 80 to 5.2 – 32 with a 7 goal to 1 second half.

Goals: Mika 6, Irish 3, G.Moore 2, Lochie Mac 1

Best: Mika, Hockley, Woodsy, Young, G.Moore, Thomson