Leonard hopeful of place in finals
WANDERERS’ finals hopes are still alive after a comefrom-behind 32-point victory over Tiwi at TIO Stadium yesterday.
The Bombers led by more than three goals close to halftime, but Wanderers kicked two just before the main break and another five straight after to stamp their authority.
Tiwi got within seven points midway through the fourth term.
But poor skill execution halted Brenton Toy’s side from finishing the job.
The Muk Muks were led by Caleb Niki on debut, fourgoal star Joel Jeffrey and skipper Daniel Weetra.
Coach Peter Leonard said his troops “dug deep” to secure the 14.15 (99) to 9.13 (67) win, their third of 2018-19.
“Our second quarter wasn’t too good and we had Nook Mansell and Brenton Motlop go down with hamstring injuries,” Leonard said.
“But we used the footy a bit better in the second half and that probably told in the end.
“We shot ourselves in the foot a couple of times by missing simple goals and that swings momentum quickly, but the boys did well to win.
“I was confident we were going to hold on, we had enough blokes on the ground who were experienced enough to get us through.”
The Bombers were led by Ashton Hams in the midfield and ruckman Liam Buxton, but their efforts weren’t enough in a scrappy contest.
The Eagles only concern was four points, though, which keeps their finals aspirations intact, according to Leonard.
“It is a tight comp and if you pull two or three together in a row, you are well and truly back in the mix,” Leonard said.
“It gives us a bit of confidence going into the threeweek break.
“But the real stuff starts after Christmas, so we have to knuckle down.
“We’ll have some players back.
“Jarred Erlandson and a few others will return from injury, so we will be giving it a fair shake to make finals.” TIWI BOMBERS V WANDERERS BEST 0.3 5.7 7.8 9.13 1.6 4.7 9.11 14.15 GOALS UMPIRES