ANTONY STEWART | May 23rd, 2011
Townsville Bulletin
THE Curra Swans have officially stamped themselves as the real deal in 2011.
After smashing defending AFL Townsville champions Thuringowa by 58 points on Saturday, there is no question the long-time battling Swans have gone from making up the numbers to being a genuine title threat.
Curra put the high-flying Bulldogs to the sword 15.15 (105) to 6.11 (47) at Muldoon Oval, ending their 10 years dominance.
It comes after a similar drought-breaking triumph against struggling University a fortnight ago. But this sent the strongest message to the rest of the premiership.
"Our aim was to be super competitive and I think we've shown we're going to be competitive," Swans coach Peter Young said.
"I think we're only going to get stronger." The Bulldogs started well enough, utilising a strong win to their advantage to lead 30 to 6 at the first change, but the swap of ends marked the end of any joy for the premiers as Curra booted 14 of the next 16 goals to surge to victory.
Nathan Westcombe booted four majors for the Swans and Andrew McDonald three, but it was the efforts of new recruit Josh Hall in the midfield that really led the way. Tall and athletic, he continuously won possession and caused problems for the Bulldogs' ruck.
In the other game Hermit Park defeated Uni by 110 points.
Curra 15.15 (105) d Thuringowa 6.11 (47)
Swans goal kickers: N Wescombe 4, A McDonald 3, W Huddleston 2, J Macansh, J Hall, D Noonan, S Taylor , L. Gordon, M Braun. Bulldogs goal kickers: N Purdey, R Officer, B Canning, C Leman, J Reeves, A Foster.
http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2011/05/23/233431_sport.html