Crocs in hot form
SOUTHERN Districts claimed another top five scalp last night when they beat Nightcliff by 17 points at Marrara’s TIO Stadium.
In a game where the ball had to be won in close and used on the outside, the Crocodiles had more goalscoring options in their 9.10 (64) to 7.5 (47) win over the Tigers.
Both sides booted three goals in the opening term, former Eagle Shane Thorne swooping on the football to kick the first goal of the game before Matt Bricknell and Faron James got the Tigers on the board.
Brodie Filo’s tackle on Lionel Ogden and resultant goal from a free kick was the highlight of the quarter, Ogden running into trouble on the kickout after a behind when he pleaded with teammates to give him a downfield target.
Clinton Gallio’s authority through the middle and up forward was an important factor in Districts’ win, goals in the first and third quarters putting the stamp on another fine game by the South Australian.
More than half of last night’s Districts side have come through the club’s junior development program and continue to cement their spots with their high workrate and willingness to mix it in close.
Coach Shannon Rusca has demanded clean and effective disposal since assuming the role a decade ago and players like Beau Schwarze, Brandon Rusca, Michael Bowden and Mitch Pemberton have upheld the Rusca law.
Spearhead Will Farrer booted only one goal last night to take his season’s tally to seven in four matches.
The problem for rival defenders however, is the springheeled Farrer is due to find his niche in the coming weeks.
Michael Mummery’s run down of a twisting and turning Filo in the third quarter and checkside goal in the last showed his allround talents, something the player will be hoping AFL recruiting staff will look at in a fortnight’s time. The Tigers could not find a way through the Districts defence, with the league’s leading goalkicker Trent Melville restricted to a last-quarter goal.