Hawks soar in final quarter

INVERLEIGH coach Adam Donohue is hoping his side has turned a corner after producing “the best quarter we’ve played all year” to finish off North Geelong on Saturday.

Just five points separated the two sides at the final break before the Hawks slammed on the last six goals unanswered to claim a 16.8 (104) to 8.14 (62) win on the road, ending a twogame losing run.

“(I’m) much more pleased,” said Donohue, who coached from the bench with soreness.

“We struggled in the first half a little bit, but that last quarter showed what we can do.

“Hopefully it’s a catalyst for us moving forward.

“It’s the best quarter we’ve played all year, so that should be a real positive.”

The Hawks’ defenders “copped a warning” at threequarter time after the game turned into a goal-for-goal shootout, with North Geelong responding every time Inverleigh tried to open up a margin.

But the Hawks’ ability to maintain possession and execute their precise kicking in the final 30 minutes cut the Magpies’ defence apart.

“I think every team wants to control the footy and keep possession and it just goes to show when guys actually back themselves they can hit targets,” Donohue said.

“Moving Moving the ba ball around forces the opposition to defend more, which creates spaces behind them.

“We had a really good week on the track and I know our intent out there was good.

“We trained really hard Tuesday night, Thursday was a bit lighter with skills.

“They hopefully should get some confidence out of that last quarter — that’s the way we want to play — and I’m certainly hopeful that we can take that into Werribee next week.”

Ryan Garrard received the best-on-ground medal, while Josh Bouwman (three goals) was a strong presence up forward, well supported by Justin Diblasio and Toby Manganelli who both kicked three. Tom Schwennesen kicked four for the Magpies.

It looms as a defining game against the Centurions this Saturday, with third spot up for grabs for the winner.

“Whoever loses basically finishes fourth,” Donohue said.

“You want the double chance. Winchelsea will finish fifth and they’re a dangerous opposition as well.

“The boys will come really prepared. I’ve done a little bit of homework on them this week because this result didn’t really matter — either way next week was going to be the eight-point game. We’ve got to really start well and hopefully it’s a good game.”

Donohue has declared himself a certain starter for the Centrals game.