Dragons run hot, cold

Team now goes into playoff for third

GEELONG Dragons had mixed results in a big weekend of all-abilities football, playing their last home games of the Metro Division 2 FIDA season before finals.

In what was dubbed as the Dragons double header, Geelong won its opening game, against Sandown Cobras, by 79 points, but went down to the South Warrnambool Hurricanes by 18 points in the second match.

The Dragons started strongly against the Cobras, registering the first few goals.

Playing against a taller opponent, Cam Gration was trying his best to give the midfield first use of the ball while Mitch Cutter Rabl and Alex Scott were providing fantastic leadership at their respective ends of the ground.

The Dragons were keen to put their foot down in the second quarter but in the early stages were challenged by their Sandown opponents.

Bryce Burt managed to win lots of touches on the wing and Luke Mills continued to pump the ball long inside the attacking 50.

Coming into half-time, the Dragons held the advantage but the game was tight.

Kylie Ferguson bobbed up in the second half, kicking her first goal for the Dragons. Kirra Potter and Raymond Scott also managed to get on the scoreboard, kicking goals at crucial times to continue the Dragons momentum.

The Dragons ran out winners but were pushed all the way by the Cobras.

Coming into the game, both teams had a record of two wins and two losses, which pointed to it being a close game in the final round of the Western Country Conference.

The Dragons kicked the first goal through Aaron Schaefer as the team looked to assert its dominance early, but the Hurricanes bounced back, kicking the next two goals to lead at the first break.

Sean McKenzie and Paul Barnard were great in defence, stopping many of the Hurricanes attacks.

The second quarter was a real arm wrestle as the game turned into a battle of the midfield.

Patrick Earley was strong in the midfield for the Dragons in the second quarter and had great support from Jake Baker Brooks and Jacob Blakeley.

Going into the main break, the Hurricanes held the lead but the game was still in the balance.

The Hurricanes dominated the third quarter and if it was not for inaccurate kicking, they would have been further in front.

Leon Watts was superb, getting the wind knocked out of him on a few occasions, but was able to get up each time.

Birthday boy Paul Wernicke was doing his best in the ruck to ensure the Dragons had first use of the footy.

The Dragons tried their best to bridge the gap in the fourth but the Hurricanes held on to run out winners.

With the home and away season finished, the teams will head to the finals carnival at North Park, Stawell.

In a repeat of last season, the Dragons and Hurricanes will play off again for third spot.