Dominant Dragons defeat Northern Knights
A five-goal haul to midfielder Hamish Brayshaw led Sandringham Dragons to a 45-point victory over the Northern Knights at MARS Stadium in Ballarat on Saturday.
A nine-goal-to-three second half helped the Dragons to run away victorious, closing out their home-and-away season with a win.
Hamish Brayshaw returned comfortably to the Dragons line-up after 12-weeks playing with the Sandringham Zebras in the VFL, kicking the first two goals of the game.
Sandringham used the windy conditions to their advantage to get out to an 18-point lead in the first quarter before the Knights kicked two against the run of play to bring themselves within 13 points at quarter time.
The Knights dominated play in the second quarter to take the lead before a late goal to Seb Williams saw the Dragons take a one-point lead into the main break.
After half-time it was all Dragons with Sandringham kicking four-goals-to-zero in the third quarter to set up their 11th win of the season and secure fourth position on the ladder ahead of finals.
Senior coach Jeremy Barnard emphasized the importance of the Dragons pressure in the win. Prior to Saturday’s game the Northern Knights were the leading kicking team in the competition, averaging over 180 kicks per match but the Dragons defensive pressure and around the ground dominance restricted the Knights to just 132 kicks for the game.
Hamish Brayshaw was a clear best-on-ground standout and was awarded the Fin-Fitness best player after collecting 30 disposals, 11 tackles, eight marks, eight clearances and five inside 50s to go with his five goals.
Ruckman Joel Amartey was awarded the Sportsmart coaches award on his 18th birthday after dominating the ruck work with 28 hit-outs and two clearances to go with his 12 disposals.
The Dragons will now face the Murray Bushrangers in an elimination final on Sunday at 2:15pm at MARS Stadium in Ballarat.
|
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
2.1-13 |
5.3-33 |
5.3-33 |
8.4-52 |
|
4.2-26 |
5.4-34 |
9.13-67 |
14.13-97 |
NORTHERN KNIGHTS
Goal Kickers: P. Naish, J. Naylor, E. Penrith, S. Binion, J. Petruccelle, M. Dreher, S. Brazier, K. Yodgee
Best Players: T. McKenzie, C. Farchione, M. Harman, A. Federico
SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS
Goal Kickers: H. Brayshaw 5, I. Morrisby 2, J. Crocker, A. Brayshaw, C. Constable, S. Williams, A. Trusler, L. Harris, J. Amartey
Best Players: H. Brayshaw, J. Amartey, N. Murphy, A. Brayshaw, W. Walker, A. Jarnestrom