Bruthen kept its unbeaten season intact after executing a hard-fought 14-point victory over Swifts Creek in a round eight Omeo District Football Netball League heavyweight battle at the Bruthen Recreation Reserve.
The Bulldogs were seriously challenged throughout the day by a fierce, hard-tackling Demons outfit. Despite the loss, the message coming out of the Swifts Creek camp is that while they may have lost this particular battle, the war is far from over — especially with the Demons expecting four or five key players to return and strengthen the lineup later in the season.
The Bulldogs took control of the contest in the second term, utilising a four-goal-to-two burst to open up an 11-point advantage by half time. By three quarter time, the home side’s lead had been trimmed to just six points, with momentum seemingly favouring the visitors.
However, the Bulldogs dug deep when it mattered most.
A crucial free kick and subsequent 50-metre penalty awarded to Harley Kenner (three goals) late in the final term pushed the margin beyond two goals. Swifts Creek mounted several spirited attacks in time-on, but the resilient Bulldog defence — led by Nat Griffiths, Richard Harrison, Rhys Kennedy, Dylan Doecke and Will Matthews — withstood the late pressure to secure the four points.
Ethan Hubbard proved to be the wildcard up forward for Bruthen, enjoying a day out with three goals. Jirra Moffat also finished with three majors, drawing plenty of attention from the Demons’ defenders throughout the afternoon.
For Swifts Creek, the smooth-moving Oscar Brazzale kicked three goals in a fantastic individual battle with Bulldog fullback Griffiths, who put in an unassuming but highly effective performance.
Conor Harvey also booted three goals from centre half-forward, presenting as a strong target all day.
In the ruck, Andrew Sandy and Lucas Lakey engaged in an excellent duel. Sandy won the tap-outs to advantage, while Lakey played a significant role around the ground and across half back as a ruck-rover.
Brendan Flinn was pivotal through the midfield for the winners, using his long left-foot kicking to great effect.
In fact, the long field kicking of Flinn, Kenner, and Dylan Somerville stood out as a major highlight of the match.
The best players for Bruthen included Flinn, Doecke, Griffiths, Harrison, Lakey, and Hubbard. The Demons were well served by Harvey, Jay Robbie, Beau Hack, Sandy, and Campbell Moresi.
The ODFNL will enjoy a week off this weekend courtesy of the King’s Birthday long weekend.
