Tigers Destroy Eagles in SANFL Elimination Final
Glenelg kicked off the SANFL final series in some fashion when they grounded disappointing Eagles, 19.17.131 to 8.12.60.
In a five goal to one opening quarter, the Tigers dominated to set up the win early. Led by Corey Lyons (27 disposals, one goal, five clearances), and Matthew Snook (23 disposals, six inside 50s, four clearances) out of the middle, the Bays systematically destroyed the Eagles.
It wasn’t all bad for Woodville-West Torrens, with retiring pair Jarrad Redden (38 hit-outs) and Matthew Goldsworthy (15 disposals and three goals) leaving parting gifts, in an otherwise woeful display to end 2024.
Cole Gerloff’s long bomb set the cheer squad alight early in the first. Bell was able to show all his class just five minutes later to get the Tigers’ second.
The Tigers transition play was incredible, as they were able to take the ball from the last line of defence and turn it into scoring shots.
When Rowe hit Goldsworthy with a wonderfully weighted ball, the Eagles found a way back into the contest, closing to within three goals.
22 minutes in, a contest in the centre of the ground saw Joseph Sinor collide with Will Chandler. Sinor went off the ground in a stretcher, after backing into the pack and receiving head high contact. Sinor’s injury is suspected to be a concussion or a jaw. The Eagles also lost Cameron Fleeton after half-time.
At quarter-time, Glenelg continued to move the ball well, able to enter and exit the 50s easily, but the Eagles held the dominance at clearance (12-9) and hit-outs (15-6). Importantly, the Tigers also had a 22-point margin.
In a seesawing contest, the Eagles came hard in the second. However, the Tigers were able to respond. The Bays moved further ahead, turning a 22-point lead a quarter-time into a 28-point half-time lead.
Both teams were hard at the contest, however the Tigers were able to start winning the ball out of the middle as they led clearances (21-18) at half-time. Glenelg’s midfield pack adjusted to read the ball off the palm of Eagles ruckman Jarrad Redden.
At either end of the ground, both teams had superstars in the second. Ballenden was getting fantastic service and was able to convert from the set shot on two occasions. Meanwhile, Chandler provided plenty of spark for the Tigers and slotted two goals of his own.
In the premiership quarter, it was all the Tigers, as they systematically destroyed the Eagles. Goals to Lovelock, Reynolds, Allen and Curran before the 20th minute ended any hope of an Eagles resurgence. Out of the middle, it was the Tigers onballers that dominated, as Lyons and Snook got busy.
Williams’ first goal offered Woodville-West Torrens something to cheer about, but it was all too little too late, as the Eagles were outclassed and second to every 50/50 ball.
Matthew Goldsworthy, Luke Thompson, Troy Menzel Jarrad Redden retirements
Sunday’s Elimination Final saw the Eagles send off three club legends. Goldsworthy kicked three goals as he left the Eagles with fond memories despite the result. Meanwhile, Thompson had 18 disposals and Redden dominated the ruck.
All four will go down as legends of Woodville-West Torrens and the league as a whole. Goldsworthy, Thompson, Menzel and Redden combined for 744 games and 392 goals for the Eagles.
Glenelg’s transition play
When the game was there to be won, Glenelg were able to transition the ball across the ground from one end to the other with ease. The Bays used run and carry on the outside to lock the Eagles out of the game early on.
Glenelg Football Club: 5.2 9.6 14.14 19.17.125
Woodville-West Torrens: 1.4 4.8 5.9 8.12.60
Goalkickers:
Glenelg Football Club:
Allen (3), Chandler (3), Reynolds (3), McBean (2), Stretch (2) Bell, Curran, Gerloff, Lovelock, Lyons, Window
Woodville-West Torrens:
Goldsworthy (3) Ballenden (2), McKay, Wheare, Williams,
Best:
Glenelg Football Club:
Allen, Bell, Lyons
Woodville-West Torrens:
Goldsworthy, McKay, Redden