Young Hawks prevail despite goalkicking
by were their usual industrious selves and big Drouin's under 16s side has moved to man Liam Finnegan towered over his opponents 2-0 in spite of one of the most bizarre as he booted three. scorelines you will ever see. At times it seemed like the Gulls had extra
Goalkicking will be a top priority at training players on the ground, such was the strength this week after the Hawks kicked a whopping of their dominance.
24 behinds in their 5.24 (54) to 3.5 (23) win. And if they continue to play like that, odds It meant that despite having 21 more scoring are Warragul may have to make room for a shots than their opposition, they managed second flag in a few months. just two more goals. Drouin's thirds showed plenty of improvement
Regardless, the Hawks were in control for from their round one drubbing, but it just about the entire day, and will take plenty meant little as they were dispatched by Morwell. out of that fact.
Jake Boote was outstanding in his fourths The Hawks' effort was clearly there, but debut, while Charlie Croucher, Caleb Kleeven their execution was lacking as they lost 8.6 and Tyler Harkin were all strong, despite the (54) to 13.11 (89). frustration surrounding their accuracy. Kaden Gregg topped the goalkickers with
Warragul's under 16s team were not so fortunate, falling to Moe 5.3 (33) to 11.9 (75). three, as William Young and Ashton Wanigavitharana
A one-goal-to-seven first half set the tone were solid, but turnovers meant for the Gulls, who were simply unable to get that the Hawks found themselves on the the ball going forward consistently against a wrong side of the ledger. hardened Lions outfit. Elsewhere in the thirds Sale and Bairnsdale
Darcy Paul, Isaac Kittelty, Levi Moore and drew 7.6 (48) each, Maffra thumped Traralgon Joseph Simpson gave good accounts of themselves, 12.16 (88) to 4.1 (25) and Leongatha had but in general the Gulls were beaten the bye. around the contest. It was a weekend to forget for both Warragul
An improved effort in the second half saw and Drouin's reserves sides. them even the game around the ground, but An undermanned Gulls side were overwhelmed by then the damage had been done and any by Moe 5.5 (35) to 18.15 (123). hope of a comeback was gone. Having needed to call in the troops, including
In other fourths results, Traralgon won a some of their under 18s team, Warragul thriller against Maffra 7.7 (49) to 5.13 (46), just couldn't keep up with their Moe counterparts Leongatha thumped Wonthaggi 16.12 (108) as they were demolished. to 6.5 (41) and Bairnsdale destroyed Sale Alex Henshall, Tim Davine and Lucas Monacella 16.14 (110) to 3.5 (23). were among their better players.
Warragul's thirds side got the opportunity to flex their muscles as they utterly dismantled Drouin's reserves side were unable to kick a Moe. goal in their own match-up, going down 0.6
After getting the chance to unveil their (6) to 15.9 (99).
2022 premiership flag, the Gulls were almost The day was a real struggle for the Hawks untouchable in the 14.15 (99) to 2.3 (15) win. side, who found themselves down by 32
Following a relatively even first term, Warragul points at the first break. Given their relative piled on 11 goals while keeping Moe lack of goalkickers, a margin that big was always totally goalless en route to the 84-point win. likely to be too much to chase down.
Former Buln Buln star Matthew Cahill was The Hawks' best included Flynn Bethune, everywhere, Toby Murfet and Alby Phillips Samuel Pratt and James McKellar.
AND DROUIN GAZETTE April 18 2023 Page 53