Now the hard work starts !

After many weeks of pre-season training, and 18 rounds of competition we have finally made it to the real business – finals. Congratulations to the players & coaches of all 9 teams on the great achievement of making the finals.

The Fourths played a good brand of football last week against Kiewa/Sandy Creek to record a comfortable 49 point victory and consolidate 5^th spot on the ladder. The team is being well led by captains Luke Gerecke & Tom Rake, with plenty of help from Cody Moncrieff, Jake Wiffen & John Rogers. Lachie Gould & Leigh Gilbee got amongst the goals with 5 & 4 respectively.

The Thirds got back on the winner’s list with a comprehensive 77 point win over the struggling Hawks. Conditions were a little muddy but the boys played good straightforward football to give their forwards plenty of opportunity to score. Rhys Moore & Will McIntosh capped off the good midfield work of Charlie Way & Blake Jones with 3 goals each. Congratulations to Will McIntosh on being Runner-Up in the TDFL Thirds Best & Fairest award this season.

The Reserves approached a danger game against Kiewa with the steely resolve that has seen them sit on top of the ladder most of the year. With Kiewa resting plenty of senior players though, it did make their reserves much weaker and we anticipate a much stronger side in the finals. The Dogs went about their business with a minimum of fuss to record a 53 point win. Coach Bos celebrated the start of his fifth decade with 5 goals, and Porky, Butts & Hense chipped in with 2 each.

The Seniors took on a depleted Kiewa outfit in a game where only pride was on the line. With both sides missing key personnel, and the coaches reluctant to show their hand before the important games to follow, it was a nice game. The Dogs got away to a good start, but the Hawks hit back to be within a couple of kicks at the main orange break. Although the Dogs dominated the last half, there was little to be taken from the result and we now turn our attention to good performances in the finals series.

Awards – thanks to all our award sponsors, please support these businesses.

Fourths: Albury Ten Pin Bowling – Will Haslam, Wendy’s – Ash Carter, Blockbuster – Luke McNamara, TFNC Canteen – Caden Browne.

Thirds: Timmy G’s – Will McIntosh, Sportspower – Charlie Way, TFNC Canteen – Matt Findlay, Wendy’s – Blake Jones, Blockbuster – Kasper Nordern.

Reserves: Newmarket Pot’n’Parmy – Brett Rice, Flippin’ Fresh Seafood – Rohan Langstaff, Thurgoona Pharmacy – Brayden Strauss, Raj’s Pizza – Paul Tucker.

Seniors: Player’s Incentive – Jake Way, Newmarket Hotel – Adam Way, Thurgoona Golf Resort – Brett James, Bursons – Lucas Mellier, Raj’s Pizza – Dylan Rake.

Auction Players Round 9:

Seniors: Craig Taylor (T & D Way), Reserves: Brett Rice (Fire Extinguishers)

A Grade: Emma Dallinger (Firelighters), B Grade: Lauren Bell-Chambers (Mark Haydon).

Awards this week (Saturday 25/8) are at the Thurgoona Golf Club at 6.00pm.