By Casey OÇonnor
Warwick Redbacks went down by one-point in a thrilling AFL Darling Downs Clash against the Goondiwindi Hawks on Saturday, 5-7 (37) to 5-6 (36) in their final home game of the year at Warwick Credit Union Oval.
Seeking revenge after being comprehensively beaten by the Hawks in their round nine clash in Goondiwindi, Redbacks came perilously to causing an upset with a consistent performance in the first and third and final quarters.
Assistant coach Tyhe Clarkson said the side was determined not to repeat the mistakes of round-nine when they were outscored in the early stages and never recovered.
“We were determined to start strongly,” Clarkson said.
“It was the last game of the season at our home ground, Warwick Credit Union Oval and the annual Old Boys day, so there was plenty of support from the big crowd.”
And start well they did, with Brendan Iles and Nic Donges kicking goals to keep the home side within a goal of the Hawks at the first break.
However, the Hawks kicked things up a notch in the second stanza, dominating possession. Their short passes and hard running picked the Redbacks apart and kept them scoreless for the term – a result that could well have cost them the game.
There was a feeling of déjà vu as the Hawks took a 14-point lead into the long break, 4-3 (27) to Redbacks 2-1 (14).
Assistant coach, Clarke gave the playing group a good rev-up at half-time and Redbacks returned with a different mindset, ready to play in the third quarter.
Clarkson snapped out of the pack and Donges booted his second goal to reduce the margin to eight points going into three-quarter time and put the home-side back with a sniff at victory.
The final quarter was an arm wrestle, with Redback’s fans on their feet when Illes kicked his second major and levelled the scores deep in the quarter.
However, the determined Hawks were looking to cement their finals position and pushed the ball forward to kick a late behind and snatch the victory. It was a heartbreaking loss for the Redbacks.
Kurt Millard playing his final game for the Redbacks was outstanding. His strength and power in the contest almost lifted Redbacks to victory and he was named the Redbacks Players player.
Andrew Politch played his 150th game for the club and was strong in defence. Brendan Iles rarely disappoints, kicking two goals and playing strongly while young gun, Connor Lloyd played one of his best games all year.
The Old Boys day drew a big crowd with several old heads back for a beer and a cheer according to Clarkson.
The Annual Old Boys Goal kicking competition capped off the day. The winner after an extra time shoot-out with Keith Clarke was sharpshooter and chef Mark Mills.
Daniel Bowles won the major prize in the Old Boys raffle (donated by Normist). Fittingly the winner of the major prize in the Multi Draw Raffle (donated by Hayman’s Warwick) was the 150 gamer Andrew Politch.
The Warwick Gardens Galore Redbacks head to Rockville Oval this Saturday for their final game of the 2022 season. The Redbacks play competition leaders Coolaroo who will be coming off their first loss of the season.
