2014 - Year of the Hawk
The West Coast Hawks claimed back to back Mid West premierships with a 23 point win over Central Eyre in an entertaining match in warm Spring conditions.
While the Hawks started the match as a warm favourite, they were made to work very hard for their glory, particularly in the first half where they trailed the enthusiastic Bulldogs for quite some time.
Much has been said and written about the Central Eyre injury issues in the lead up, Jake Bruce didn’t pass the early morning fitness test, which was expected by most other than himself and a select close few. All others donned the red white and blue guernsey and represented with a great passion and pride.
The sheer run and willingness to work has held the Hawk machine in great stead, particularly in finals conditions, and this was the case again. As soon as the ball was won in a contest, three or four options are made available to the player with the ball, and so it goes for the whole match. Excellent concentration and attention to the small things is a credit to the coaching of Dillon Montgomerie, and also the players own high expectations of themselves.
That Centrals were able to challenge so keenly for so much of the game must have them looking forward to 2015 with very high hopes, with a little luck on the injury front, their own flag appears not far away.
For the Hawks, the engine room functioned smoothly all day. Dale Montgomerie left the ground with a PA Matthews Best on Ground Medallion, Premiership Medallion, EP Representative Medal and was presented his Mail Medal, enough weight to send him straight to the bottom if he carelessly falls off the Streaky Bay jetty during the next week of celebrating. His constant winning contests and delivery played a huge part in the win. Dillon Montgomerie was a General in the middle, never wastes anything, and even had some time to assist old warhorse Kane Sampson with some advice after cornering him on the boundary effecting a great spoil. Dylan Kelsh, great ruck work always, but his ground work for such a skyscraper is something to behold. Dillon Cabot, Cameron Montgomerie, Joe Mc Innis all ran through the centreline from time to time and completed an awesome Hawks on ball arsenal.
Hard to go past the Hawks backline, incredibly they just get the job done week in and week out, but when Centrals started to surge in the famous premiership third quarter, these fellows just rebounded it with so much poise and lack of fuss. We’re talking about Derick Freeman, Tyson Montgomerie, Damien Johnson, Kirk Montgomerie, Corey Cabot and Travis Brown, All great individually but collectively are irresistible.
Sixteen goals in a grand final is a highly functional forward line. Brent Bascombe back in from a suspect hamstring, but minimal signs. He rotated with Darren Brown from the bench, picking up three goals and Darren one which were all valuable. The centreline run forward was productive again, with ten of the sixteen goals coming from these players.
Centrals competed hard all game, gallant to the end. Without naming, maybe some of those who spent more time in the recovery room than training track found the full four quarters hard to get through, especially in the warm conditions and big oval. Lachlan Heath played well, showing little indication of the hard work he had to go through to get into the game.
Ty Mc Kenna at centre half back, wonderful leg speed and judgement, his ability in the marking duels is almost without peer. Micah VanLoon’s pace and work rate is magnificent, he is still young, but the rate that he is developing as a key senior player indicates a big future, here or higher levels of football. Kane Sampson, again on the wing, relishing some space and he is always creative. Still boasting quite a turn of speed, covered plenty of territory and uses to footy with aplomb.
Mention must be made of Hayden Heath, starting the year in the back half, he has announced himself as quite a forward target. Very mobile and works hard to get to position, this is perhaps a break out year for him. Nails O Brien, five goals in a big game and taking on the best backmen every week. He remains a key to the future success of the Bulldogs, even if he thinks otherwise. Great game coaching wise also, got the best out of players, he must feel proud of his charges despite not winning.
Jared Sampson another high possession and highly effective game. When watching the game his smooth style and skill maybe is taken for granted. When looking back at photos of the match, it is amazing how many contests involve Jared in all parts of the ground.
Others to do well include John Mc Beath, Clint Winter, and Ryan Sampson. Rucks Brett Mc Comb and Tim Polkinghorne were gallant, and Connor Dowden again impressed when he came on.
A good crowd, warm spring conditions and a fast entertaining match to end the year. The Hawks well deserved the win, but Centrals did enough to be very encouraged for next year. Congratulations to the Mighty Hawk Machine, 2014 Mid West Premiers with style.
Last Modified on 16/09/2014 22:29