Border Mail |
WODONGA was rewarded for its most complete performance of the season when it upset Wangaratta Rovers in convincing fashion on Saturday.
In a game most tipsters gave the Bulldogs a sneaky chance of winning, Wodonga more than justified those pre-game predictions with a surprisingly comfortable 43-point win at W.J.Findlay Oval.
Wodonga coach Ben Hollands, who starred with four goals in the win, was genuinely thrilled with the result.
“It’s definitely up there,” Hollands said.
“Rovers are pretty hard to beat, particularly down there.
“It was the most complete four-quarter performance we’ve put in for a while.
“We’ve been super competitive at times this year and we know we can be but at some stage you’ve got to get over the line.
“We’re pretty happy.”
The Bulldogs put in their most polished showing of the year.
Matt Seiter was dominant in the ruck, with Hollands and Steve Murray proving too much for the Hawks’ defence to handle.
Nick Beattie also proved an effective target deep in attack.
Chris Macey, Wodonga’s best defender in recent weeks, completely blanketed the influence of Joel Coombes and Daniel McCullough.
Neither kicked a goal for the game.
Hollands said the Bulldogs were eagerly awaiting their clash with Albury this week.
“We’re not getting carried away because we’re not playing finals which is where we want to be but the guys are genuinely excited and looking forward to the challenge,” he said.
Hawks’ coach Mick Caruso was deflated by his own team’s performance but said he could take little away from the Bulldogs.
“They have played some really good footy over the past couple of weeks,” Caruso said.
“Full credit to them.
“We’re playing pretty averagely and right now it’s a bit of wallpaper over the cracks.
“It came to a head on Saturday, unfortunately.”
