MORDIALLOC bundled St Pauls out of the 2015 Southern Football League premiership race with a gutsy 15-point win in Sunday’s hard-fought Division 1 elimination final at Newcomen Rd, Springvale.
The Bloods prevailed 9.11 (65) to 7.8 (50) in what was a tight, gruelling affair, according to Mordialloc coach Sam Anstey.
“It was a close-checking game and the last quarter was very physical,” Anstey said.
The Bloods broke it open in the third quarter with three unanswered goals, but the Doggies bounced back with three of their own late in the quarter to be within three points at the final break.
With their season on the line, the Bloods stood tall in the final term to advance to the preliminary final. Anstey was full of praise for his defence.
“We were terrific down back and broke even through the midfield, where St Pauls is very strong,” he said.
“We had to shut down their small forwards like Ridgway and Allen and I thought Josh Jewell and Dave Marguglio did a great job in keeping them quiet.”
Todd Bastion was always busy through the middle, while half-forward Anthony Scafidi and on-baller Simon Fragiacomo won their share of the ball.
James Pennycuick was a standout up forward for the winners, with Andy Fyans and Joel Waters also conspicuous for most of the day.
The Doggies were well served by Nick Halliday, Mick Johnstone, Trent McIntyre, Ryan Kitchin and Keiran Knox.
Mordialloc will take on East Malvern in Sunday’s first semi-final at Springvale.
To read the full Leader article click HERE.
Listen to the SFNL Radio team's call of the game HERE.
Listen to the commentary for Saturday's Division 2 Qualifying Final between Keysborough and Murrumbeena HERE.
Wiz and the Bug were joined by the great John 'Beany' Bennett on Sunday and took an in-depth look at the SFNL Finals on the Sunday Football Netball Show. Listen to their show HERE.
