Bolting Colts 2nd-Semi

We’re In! The Colts will try to cap off a remarkable season with a premiership when they play in the season decider for the first time since 2010 and first time at Optus Stadium on September 22. 

TEAM PERFORMANCE:

If you weren’t at the ground and had a look at the score-line in the first half you may have been forced to do a double take. The score definitely looked like one you might see in a game played on some of the horrible rainy days we have had this season, however the conditions on Sunday were absolutely perfect for footy. Yes, this definitely wasn’t a first half for the ages. After holding Claremont score-less through the opening term, it was the Tigers who were the first to convert a goal at the 15-minute mark of the second quarter. The Thunder in-fact had already reached double figures before finally putting a 1 in the goal column. While the half-time score saw Claremont lead 2.2 to 1.10 with the sheer weight of numbers of both scoring shots (11-4) and inside 50’s (27-13) heavily favoring the travelling-side, it was only a matter of time until they took control of the game. 

The third quarter again was a struggle as the Thunder struggled to get through the extra numbers Claremont had rolling back. The Tigers kicked the first of the quarter to extend their lead. It was short-lived however as they would only kick one more for the game as the Thunder kicked 7 of the final 8 goals of the match. 

From a statistical stand point this was one of the more one-sided Colts games this year. The Thunder comprehensively leading most categories: Disposals 340-269 (+71), Contested Possessions 141-117 (+24), Marks 112-58 (+54), Uncontested Possessions 194-146 (+48) and Clearances 39-27(+12). The only area Claremont really came ahead was in tackles (61-64) and considering the amount of extra possessions that Peel had you could only think they had more opportunity.

While the Thunder dominated both field position and most overall statistics, a real positive is that they still managed to beat the second-best team in the competition when not at their best. A real area to focus on over the next few weeks will be their forward-line efficiency and finding a way to get a high-quality shot. Putting aside the 3 rushed behinds, the Colts kicked 6.11 on shots from outside 15m (including 2.6 from 40m+) while conversely Claremont kicked 3 of their 4 goals from the goal-square, which is as efficient a shot as you can get. There were a few times when hesitation or an errant kick forced the Thunder into settling for a shot further from goal and on a more acute angle. You can be sure that fast and decisive ball movement coupled with better decision making are all things that will be worked on before Sunday week. 

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS:

You could just about go through every player this week, it was a fantastic overall team effort, especially in warm conditions and down a rotation after losing Clifton Stack. 

Tyrone Thorne (Rockingham JFC): How could you go past Tyrone? After playing out the last few rounds of the home and away season in the League-side. Tyrone moved back into the Colts midfield and picked up right where he left off. 25 Disposals (64% DE), 7 Contested, 7 Marks, 6 Tackles and 3 goals. Just keeps looking more and more comfortable, he’s shown in his last couple Colts games that he has found a way to play in the midfield and still get forward and kick goals (3 this week and 5 in his last Colts game vs SF). While his size may be in question, he certainly doesn’t shy away from the contest and always finds a way to impact the game against bigger opponents.

Bradley Oldfield (South Mandurah FC): 23 disposals (70% DE), game-high 15-contested possessions, 9 tackles, 9 clearances and 5 inside 50’s. Has been consistent week in week out since coming back from injury. A really important piece of the side and just continues to provide drive and force around midfield.

Jarvis Pina (South Mandurah FC): Last playing for Colts in their last defeat against East Fremantle. The Captain lead from the front, with the 26 disposals (81% DE), 13 Contested, 9 Marks and 3 inside-50’s. There were numerous times where he bailed the defense out of jams, taking the game on, cutting through the lines at pace and delivering the ball lace-out. He has all the tools and ability to make it as hard running half-back at the next level you would think.

Ben Middleton (Halls Head JFC): After a quiet game in his last reserves game, Ben was back to his best. Often double-teamed at Colts, Ben worked hard to provide an option further out from goal this week, taking 6 marks and 4 inside-50’s. He has shown real improvement in the defensive side of his game over his past 4 games (Colts & Reserves) nearly averaging 4 tackles a game, up from the 3 total he had in the 5 games prior. Finally he kicked a couple goals including an impressive check-side effort from the boundary in the 3^rdquarter.

James Ewing (Eaton Boomers): Make it now 4 consecutive games of 20 disposals or more for James. Was super-efficient again going at 86%.

Jack Sears (South Mandurah JFC): Just keeps getting more consistent. 20 disposals (70% DE), 10 Marks (4 Contested Game-High), 10 Contested possessions and 5 inside-50’s, provides a strong link to between the back-line and forward-line, another solid performance.

Lachlan Beverly (Secret Harbour Dockers FC): Lifted and set the tone for the finals intensity, certainly knew when it was his time to guard space and intercept or stick to his man and spoil the ball. 4 Spoils, 6 Marks, 10 Disposals (70% DE) everything you could ask for from your key defender.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS: 

Kilian Rawson (South Mandurah FC): 18 Disposals (83% DE), 6 contested possessions, 7 marks.

Brendan Cooke (Warnbro Swans JFC): 11 Disposals (64% DE), 8 contested possessions, 22 hit-outs, 6 clearances, 4 tackles, 3 inside-50’s.

Zac Rankin (Eaton Boomers): 20 Disposals (60% DE), 4 marks, 7-inside 50’s, 3 rebound-50’s.