Panthers retain Gus James Shield

IT WAS a big game for Korumburra-Bena and Kilcunda Bass, as they fought for the Gus James Memorial Shield for the ninth year. 

Gus coached and played for Bena, and his son Luke (LJ) played for Korumburra-Bena and a couple of years for Kilcunda Bass.  

Both teams wore blue socks, and the Giants wore blue armbands to emphasise the importance to create awareness and talk about depression.

Promoting an awareness that depression is a disease that can affect anyone – even strong and tough men like Gus – encourages people to speak up and get help or talk to someone whenever needed.  

Gus’s daughter Jazzy James tossed the coin at the beginning of the match and presented the Shield to the winning team Killy Bass back in the clubrooms after the game, 

Gus’s great mate Jamie Walker, spoke to not only the players in the rooms before their game but also in the clubrooms after the game to both Giants and Killy Bass supporters and players, about depression and Gus, but more so the importance of getting help if needed.

Zach Walker played his 150th senior game for the Giants, Evan Allaway played his 50th senior game for the Giants and thirds player Max Fowles made his senior debut. 

In the first quarter, the Giants were too slow to take off, letting the Panthers take a lead they couldn’t get back.

The Panthers made a great start to the game in perfect conditions, allowing them to feel comfortable by quarter time. 

Tyler Newton was placed in the forward line and showed everyone he can play all parts of the ground, kicking the Giants’ first goal.

Guy Dickson was physical all game and put impressive pressure on the Killy Bass team.

Joel Cuman looked lively in the midfield and Kodie Walker snagged a goal on the siren, keeping the Giants within reach.

Though feeling confident, the Panthers knew the Giants were well coached, and prepared itself for a bounce back in the second quarter. 

In the second term, the Giants had Newton go from one end of the ground to the other, where he still had a major impact on the game in defence.

Killy Bass increased their momentum kicking four goals for the quarter.

Trent Cartmel playing an exceptional game, kicked four goals in the first half.

His performance forced the Giants to put the stoppers on him in the second half. 

For the Giants, it was good to see Jordan Ceppi put in another good hard quarter.

Ceppi was laying tackles and creating turnovers wherever possible, with the support of Luke Walker nailing a few strong hard tackles to keep Killy Bass on their toes.  

It was also encouraging for the Giants to see Fowles getting some touches and being amongst the play.

The Giants knew if they wanted to be competitive, a lot more was needed from every player if they were to try and turn their game around in the third quarter.  

The Giants came out and played harder and better football in the third quarter, keeping the Panthers to only one goal and five points in the quarter, but it was all too late. Rhys Dixon scored a quick goal. 

Joel Cuman, Kye Benson and Kodie Walker continued to fight hard for the ball not once giving up.  

Down the backline Guy Dickson, Lachie Smith, Hugh Gordon, Byron Walker and Zach Walker continued to keep the pressure on Killy Bass, lots of hard knocks and tackles were had, which will mean some sore players after the game.  

Clayton Quaife sent the ball down to Boyd Robertson who has been in great form of late and saw Boyd kick the goal.  

Josh Hopkins played another consistent quarter urging his team on across the whole field.

For Kilcunda Bass, the midfield was working exceptionally hard, with Nathan Foote, Travis Tuck and Dale Gawley back in the Panthers’ best.

The Panthers also had Steven Scott returning to the backline, proving to be instrumental in keeping the pressure on the Giants. 

It wasn’t the Giants’ day and as disappointing as it was that they didn’t take the Shield home for Gus, the team congratulated Killy Bass for its exceptional game.

Panthers deserved to be holding the Gus James Memorial Shield.  

Kilcunda Bass will be playing in another local derby against Dalyston next week.

The Panthers have made it back into the six on percentage and is looking to keep putting wins on the board to keep Inverloch-Kongwak out. 

Korumburra-Bena has another tough battle ahead as it prepares to face Phillip Island.