The Curra Swans gave up a 3 goal three quarter time lead against competition frontrunners, the Thuringowa Bulldogs to lose by 23 points at Tony Ireland Stadium on Saturday.
Not for the first time this year the Swans failed to compete for full quarters. Once again they paid heavily for that inconsistency. The game itself was evenly contested in the first half with only 4 points in it at the main break in favor of the home side.
The Swans surprised the Bulldogs after the main break with fast flowing footy and lots of run.
Dominic Stout-Milkens and Adam McDonald continually broke the lines and created space often turning the bulldogs defence around. Khyle Goodman’s class was showing with some excellent disposals to his team’s advantage.
At the last break the question on everyone’s lips was could the Swans knock off the Dogs at the stadium? This was easily their best chance to do so and despite season ending injuries to Reece Danaher and Nathan Wescombe the mood seemed positive and the players appeared up for the challenge.
The Bulldogs knew they were being challenged and responded in the manner that sees them atop the ladder. A 7 goals straight burst in the final 20 minutes put paid to the Swans who could only manage 2 goals 4 in return. Everything the Bulldogs touched turned to gold and for the second week in a row the young Swans faltered under the momentum shift.
Good teams learn from the lessons of defeat and success will come from the heartbreaking losses if those lessons are learned. The Swans have a come along way in 2011 and are learning along the way. At some point though the lessons have to be put to use and the Swans have a great opportunity this week to do that with the annual clash for the Eric Johns Cup with Hermit Park.
Thuringowa 14.10-94
Curra Swans 10.11-71
Goal Kickers: T. Neal 3, A. McDonald 2, J. Macansh 2, D. Noonan 2, M. Braun
Best Players: D. Stout-Milkins, D. Bycroft, K. Goodman, A. McDonald, M. Chambers
Last Modified on 04/08/2011 15:39