Sport
7 June, 2024
Hargreaves in form as Redbacks tame Bulls
WEDDERBURN scuppered hopes of the rampant Birchip Watchem going through the season undefeated when football returned to Donaldson Park on Saturday. It was the Redbacks’ first game at home in the 2024 season. Total triumph was denied in the...
WEDDERBURN scuppered hopes of the rampant Birchip Watchem going through the season undefeated when football returned to Donaldson Park on Saturday.
It was the Redbacks’ first game at home in the 2024 season. Total triumph was denied in the thrilling draw in a season that continues to see Wedderburn push or defeat more fancied opponents.
On Saturday, before a crowd celebrating the official opening of the Donaldson Park complex, the Redbacks turned off the hallmark oxygen of the Bulls’ chip and flick style of play in the last quarter.
Wedderburn had its chances to snatch victory, prospects enhanced when the Bulls lost ruckman Hamish Hosking and Marshall Rippon (knee).
Hosking’s influence was clear early but he was not dominating. That honour for the match went to Wedderburn’s Jordy Hargreaves who is putting in his best season since winning the Feeny Medal in 2021.
Hamish Lockhart up forward ended the day with two handy goals and was instrumental in bustling the Bulls out of the way.
It was Lockhart who kicked the first score leveller early in the match after Nicholas Rippon bolted inside 50 with the Bulls’ first major score.
A first term goal to Edwards gave the visiting Bulls a handy nine-point lead at the break that would be extended in the second quarter.
Apart from a Darcy Jackson goal early, Wedderburn was constantly cut-off heading to the forward 50 zone.
Tom Campbell, usually accurate and reliable around goal, had a goalless day, The Birchip defence was challenging Campbell but Wedderburn has developed multiple options to goal
Oscar Holt who would give Birchip the most headaches and end the day with four goals.
And full forward Anthony Zelencich kicked three handy majors.
Up in defence for Wedderburn, veteran Adam Postle, on the cusp of his 300th senior game this month, was again reliable and stoic.
However, if any group can be singled out for putting a stutter in the Bulls’ season stampede, it’s the on-ballers.
Hargreaves, McEwan and Jackson worked Donaldson Park with knowledge and authority.
Inserted into the Redbacks’ game plan, the trio executed a style of play that was theirs and not dictated by the Bulls who remain on top after the draw.