Sport
3 July, 2026
Missed shots cut early margin
INGLEWOOD’S inability to beat the top three teams in the league appears likely to cost the Blues a double chance in the finals.
At quarter-time against Marong last Saturday at Malone Park it seemed that hurdle might be set to be overcome.
Inglewood led by 13 points after jumping the Panthers in the first few minutes, and the gap should have been wider.
The Woodies missed three reasonably easy shots on goal, managing only two behinds and an out of bounds on the full – five goals could have been eight, and the outcome of the match could have been very different.
But Marong did what good teams do and scored five goals to one in the second quarter to establish a 10-point half-time margin.
The brilliant Jimmy Gadsden buzzed around the midfield and won repeated clearances despite Inglewood’s ruckman Tom Kennedy being on top of Marong duo Matt Willox and Michael Bradbury in the hit outs.
Inglewood initially stayed in the race in the third term until its best player, Bregon Cotchett, left the field after an accidental head clash, not to return for the day.
If he has concussion, Inglewood’s chances of ending that winless streak against the top three when the Woodies face Bridgewater on Saturday will be dealt a serious blow.
Junior player Cooper Murphy booted six goals in only his fourth senior appearance for the Panthers, who keep bringing up talented youngsters.
His strong build made a stark contrast to Inglewood’s Mitch Pickering, who was monstered by the experienced Marong defence.
Pickering has been excellent since making his senior debut in round four, with 16 goals in eight matches, but his slight frame is likely to struggle on the heavier grounds to come.
Inglewood is now three games and percentage behind Pyramid Hill, and while the Blues should make the finals, they need a win over a side above them to make a case for a double chance.
- GARY WALSH