A brave MDU bows out of the race
COMING from sixth, everything had to go right for MDU in their do-or-die Elimination Semi Final at a windy Toora last Saturday and they copped a serious blow to their chances in the first minutes of the match when ruckman Kieran Bohn was helped off...
COMING from sixth, everything had to go right for MDU in their do-or-die Elimination Semi Final at a windy Toora last Saturday and they copped a serious blow to their chances in the first minutes of the match when ruckman Kieran Bohn was helped off with a serious knee injury.
The Demons got the opening goal after a very scrambly start to the game when Jake Brydon set Shaye Walsh off on his way to an easy running goal before Foster steadied and maintained some measure of control throughout.
It took a solo effort from Foster’s Jack Rathjen to break through for their first goal, after a great smother and an over-the-shoulder free kick, they were in front soon after via a goal to Best.
But MDU kept coming closing the final margin to 12 points with two late goals by Foster had done more than enough, dominating possession in a dour last term, without adding a goal.
Foster coach Sam Davies commended their opponents for their efforts.
“Really tough battle again all day - MDU have some elite mids that run and use the footy really well. They copped a few injuries early so to be able to battle it out all day is a credit to them. Our processes really stood up and we will take a lot out of today going forward. We will get the recovery in and be ready for the next challenge at Yinnar.”
Foster’s best included Dylan Williams, Jack Rathjen, Jake Thornell, Todd Bastion and James Morris, the handful of players instrumental in the Tigers getting the upper hand despite the best efforts of
MDU’s Steve Forrester, Tim Harris, Jarrod Hoy, Thomas Corry and Jess Hickey.
The Demons did everything they could and showed the same honesty at every contest as they have done all year, and despite their best efforts, the disappointment of bowing out at the first hurdle hit hard.
Nathan Allen, MDU coach: “Tough loss, the boys gave it their all and just fell short. A couple of injuries early, putting us down to one rotation hurt us in the long run. Foster were really well drilled. Made it very hard for us to move the footy all day and were very strong at the contest. Good luck to all teams still in the hunt!”
