Captain Matthews lifts Swans in a thriller
The Dalby Swans under 12’s have advanced through to the 2012 Grand-Final after Captain Tom Matthews inspired the young Swans in a thrilling 1 point victory over the University Cougars.
Dalby started slowly and were erratic in front of the big sticks kicking 3 behinds in the opening term as the Cougars pounced kicking 2 straight going with the wind for the first term. University’s Emmanuel Fallah was sensational at fullback stopping a number of the Swans attacking raids.
Tom Matthews and James Hegedus were the main Swans in the opening term of the qualifying final.
Dalby wanted to make the most of the second term with the strong Rockville breeze and it was Swans Captain Tom Matthews who stepped it up a gear kicking two second quarter goals. Going into the wind University struggled and were only able to record two behinds for the quarter.
The Swannies held a slender one point lead going into the main break. Matthews was again the Swans stand out for the quarter and was well supported by Tyson Raux and Vincent Melbin. University’s Emmanuel Fallah once again had a superb quarter, as Lincoln Bouttell and Harry Potter stepped their games up to keep Uni in the contest.
University hit the ground running in the third term kicking the opening goal, as the Swannies struggled to penetrate the football past the Cougars half back line. But it was the work rate of Matthews once again who was able to break the defensive line of the Cougars. Matthews kicked his third for the game, as the Swans snuck back into the lead at three quarter time.
Dalby led 3.6 (24) to 3.3 (21) going into the final quarter.
It was the Swans who were flying in the opening minutes of the final term, as Dalby kicked their fourth major of game and extended their lead to ten points. Something clicked for the Cougars as they dominated possession for the remainder of the game.
The Cougars were quite erratic in front of goal in the closing stages but were able to record a major to cut the lead back to two points in the closing minutes. Cougars coaching staff moved fullback sensation Emmanuel Fallah to full forward and it almost payed off as Fallah took a mark after the siren 25metre out from goal.
But the kick was wayward and went through for a behind, as the Swans exploded into excitement and booked their place in the 2012 decider.
Final score: University Cougars 4.6 (30) defeated by. Dalby Swans 4.7 (31)
University’s Best: Emmanuel Fallah
Dalby’s Best: Thomas Matthews
