
The Mawson Lakes Football Club headed to the picturesque Webb Oval on Saturday to take on fellow Top 3 side Glenunga. The Glenunga Rams had won their past 4 games and were to be a true test for the undefeated Saints. With both clubs boasting top line players it was interesting to note Saints Skipper Lachlan Kennett line up on Glenunga Coach Chad Bourke deep in the Rams Forward Line. However it was the Rams onball brigade of Dale Treloar and Shane Selway who were the stars early for the home side. Matthew Apostolopoulos might have a 'Round Ball' surname, but he too was finding plenty of it and was using the footy with precision. The Saints were down by a small margin at 1/4 time, but with Glenunga's tall forward Tim Mitchell dominant and Mark Roberts converting up front, the margin expanded to 5 majors by the long break. Anyone at the game, could have been forgiven that the contest was over, such was the home team's dominance and the fact Mawson Lakes had scored only 2 goals in a half of footy. Recent History had suggested that the Saints 3rd quaters had been their best for the year, and this was to happen yet again. Rob O'Gorman who had made some uncharacteristic 'Clangers' in the first half, started dominating the pivot. Kennett had forced to Bourke into the Midfield and he too was chalking up possessions, while keeping his minder very quiet. This resulted in more opportunities for a starved Saints Forward Line, and they took all they could get. Ivan Novosel bagged a couple as did veteran Steve Elmendorp, but the biggest influence was that of CHF Todd Martin who had come off the bench. Martin was using his strong frame to clear packs for his pacey team mates, while pulling in the odd contested mark. With a stunning turn around, the Saints hit the last period 2 goals ahead, and pulled away to a comfortable 31 point win. Coach Geoff Riddle would have been pleased with his moves, which included regular ruckman Myles Cooper onto the dangerous Mitchell, throwing quiet starter Mark Chilvers into the Ruck, Kennett curtailed Bourke, while the move of Martin was the best of them all. Glenunga will no doubt be thereabouts this season, with their tall units expected to cause team difficulties this season, particularly on their small home oval. The Rams will be finalists in 2010 and in serious contention of the prized double chance. Mawson Lakes were very happy with the comeback, but will have to switched on for 4 quaters if they are to topple fellow undefeated side Adelaide University this week.
Side Note: Surely the Sunday Mail can spare the Div 7 followers a 3cm X 2cm ladder each week? I've just read about 300 paragraphs on some girl who sailed around the world.