Barossa District showed it is not going to hand over the premiership crown easily with a comprehensive 57-point preliminary final win over Gawler Central.
Barossa, BL&G premier for the past two seasons, now play the unbeaten Tanunda at Willaston on Saturday in this year’s grand final.
It has been the year of the forwards all over the country in 2008 with the BL&G certainly following the trend despite its long-held reputation of being a good paddock for defenders.
Coaches built their teams from the back six and had an intense phobia of losing clearances.
The latter still applies even though it seems there were less ball-ups this season, however especially at the top end of the ladder, the old-fashioned shootout has returned.
Saturday’s final between Barossa District and Gawler Central was the third final in a row where at least a combined 30 goals have been kicked.
Both teams featured forward duos who have totalled well over a combined 100 goals this year. Heath Commane and Daniel Thomas for Barossa, Scott Hahn and Brendon Niklaus for the Tigers.
Barossa’s win came from a combined 14-goal effort by Daniel Thomas and Heath Commane, which was double the output of their Tiger counterparts.
Thomas, as a freelancing opportunist, backed himself to kick goals from some awkward situations, but importantly nailed some set shots.
Commane was magnificent at centre half forward in all the required departments, marking, kicking, presenting and movement.
Some of the Bulldogs lesser- known midfield stepped up and emphasised the club’s long list.
Michael Taylor was extremely productive, Ashley Amber continually broke the Tiger’s lines and brother Jarred was instrumental in restricting Brad Taylor.
Brad James once again showed that if he isn’t manned up he will punish you and captain Matt Stelzer ran himself into the ground.
Darren Sharp again showed why he is a first pick defender for the Rep team and Aaron Spicer’s height and mobility was an ever-present danger.
For Central, Brad Taylor was closely shadowed for much of the game, but still got clear enough often enough to create opportunities for his team.
Kirk Heberle was a big possession winner for the Tigers and his strong bodywork allowed smaller teammates to get into the game.
Paul Bova was another major possession winner for Gawler Central and Scott Hahn just fell short of the ton, but still contributed with four goals.
Graham Cook played in midfield and defence with good effect while Ryan Clasholm and Jason Wozniak were the pick of the Tiger defenders.
From the coach’s box
Rian Nelson (Barossa)
“They burnt a lot of petrol coming back at us in the third term.
“Pleasingly despite having all the pressure to win, I was happy with the way our group handled this expectation.
“New guys like (Launce) Kent, (Jack) Martin and (Craig) McAlpine were important in their first finals campaign.
“This win will help our confidence.
“To get into the season decider is the first part of the process.”
Mark Brant (Gawler Central)
“It was an extremely disappointing result in the end”
“Our disposal was terrible. We were second to the footy in the first half, lacking intensity at times.
“After a great fightback in the third term and gaining the momentum our inaccuracy - having four shots on goal for one point early in the last term was frustrating.
“Finals is about scoreboard pressure.
“To Barossa’s credit they ran over us in the last quarter - that’s why have won the last two premierships.”
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