Border Mail |
HENTY is in a commanding position for a prized top-two finish after it brought down flag contender Holbrook by 22 points at Holbrook on Saturday.
The Swampies remain the only undefeated side after six rounds and can consolidate top spot on the ladder over the next month with matches against Culcairn, Rand-Walbundrie, Walla and CDHBU.
After squandering a few early chances, Brent Piltz’s charges broke open the contest with a devastating eight-goal burst in the second quarter.
Shannon Terlich was lively up forward while Simon Hillier also played a key role in the Swampies midfield.
Terlich dragged down several strong contested marks and kicked four crucial goals on his way to clinching best-on-ground honours.
Talented tall Isaac Muller also showed some promising signs in the ruck in his first year of senior football.
Stewart Williams was a tower in the Brookers defence, winning a host of contested possessions while restricting the dangerous Ryan Hon to one goal and his lowest tally this season.
The Swampies now boast an impressive 5-0 record after playing four of last season’s finalists.
Swampies coach Brent Piltz said it was pleasing to emerge undefeated after last season’s runner-up was handed a tough draw in the opening rounds.
“It certainly has laid the foundations to secure a top-two finish and the vital double chance come finals,” Piltz said.
“With the tight nature of the competition the double chance could be priceless come finals.
“There looks to be at least five sides with legitimate flag credentials.”
Holbrook now face an uphill battle to finish top-two after starting the season 3-3.
The Brookers sit sixth on the ladder but have been one of the hardest hit with injuries and remain a legitimate flag contender.
In other matches, Jindera took until the final term to shake off a determined Murray Magpies.
Ash Murray extended his lead at the top of the table with nine goals.
Murray has been in scintillating touch in the early rounds to boot 39 goals from seven matches to lead Holbrook’s James Breen by 12.
The Magpies threatened to cause an upset with livewire Jarrah Maksymow, Mark Wilson and Jesse Johnston causing plenty of headaches for the Bulldogs.
Brock-Burrum consolidated its spot in the top six with an 80-point win over Rand-Walbundrie.
Raiders recruit Josh McCudden and coach Darryn McKimmie were lively for the Saints.
