Women
The Kelmscott Bulldogs have smashed round 16 and wrapped up their season with a dominating performance against Bayswater, securing a final score of 11.11 (77) to 1.1 (7).
That impressive result means the Kelmscott women are heading into the finals, heads held high, as the undefeated minor premiers of their division.
“Going into the game, I wanted the girls to finish off strong. And they did, finishing the home and away season undefeated, which was a great achievement,” Coach Bill Hansen said.
“Once again, our backline stepped up with Zaile Betts dominating around the ground with her push up from half back.
“Sam Shepherd was all class like always, getting the ball, and setting up many plays from the backline.
“Up forward, Summer Yarran put on another show, kicking six goals to finish the season off as leading goal kicker. She really deserved it with the year she’s had.
“Midfield worked hard all day as always, led by Tyla Fitzgerald, who got in and under the ball.
“It was great to welcome back Hayley McHenry to the team, too.
“We are looking forward to the next few weeks – this is what the season all comes down to.
“The girls have worked hard to have gotten in this position and we are hoping to capitalise on it.”
League
Report by Coach Shannon Collard
It was a slow start to the game, but after a quarter-time rev up the bulldogs came out and started playing to their structure and took total control of the game.
Rodney Jetta was outstanding again up forward with 11 goals for the day.
While the Kelmscott midfield – Callum Collard, Nixon Hamlet and Reggie Jones – had great games with help from ruckman Angus Yarran.
The Bulldogs now turn their focus to the last game of the season before preparing for finals.
Kelmscott 22.14 (146) defeated Forrestfield 4.5 (29)
Reserves
From the desk of Coach Travis Burgess
It was the last home game of the season, and the Reserves turned it on for all the supporters and past players with their biggest win in the club’s history.
The midfielders dominated all day; Jacob Bromfield, Billy Westcott and Daniel Schloss combined for 82 touches and 30 inside 50s giving the forwards silver platter service.
Shannon Collard capitalised on that and enjoyed kicking 15 goals for the day.
The backline did their job to perfection, like always, which gave us the opportunity to put our General – Graham (Bundy) Hansen – forward for a well-deserved two goals in the last quarter, breaking his five-year goal drought.
In all, it was a great performance from the team.
Bulldogs 27.8 (170) defeated Forrestfield 2.3 (15)
Integrated Finals
The Integrated Finals kicked off on Saturday, and for the second year in a row, the Kelmscott Bulldogs All Abilities Football Team faced the previous year’s division A premiers, lining up against Coolbinia in the first series of Elimination A Division Finals.
It was the first time Coolbinia had their team at full strength this season. And the Bulldogs, who finished third for the season, had a full squad with over 30 players taking to the field for Kelmscott.
The game started intensely with both teams’ midfielders set a cracking fast game pace. Kelmscott’s Timothy Davies got the football onto the boot early, dominating through centre, as the match Best on Ground Vincent Fraser outran the opposition and sent the ball into the forward line.
The goals were hard to snag as both teams’ defence worked well against the eager forwards.
It was in the second quarter that Coolbinia took advantage of Kelmscott falling behind the football, and gained a small lead into half time.
Undeterred, the Bulldogs’ Fraser Kickett and Geoff Stewart steadied the team and kept them in the game for the last quarter.
There was also a good effort by backmen Lee Maas and Jaxon Hay, and young gun William Tondut playing on the wing stepped up to be one of the day’s best.
Joshua Thompson kicked three goals, whilst Kickett and teammate Bryan Adams scored one each.
Coach Robert Turner described how very proud he was of all the players who worked so hard throughout the season and thanked the amazing volunteer support, especially Ruth Stewart, and Cam and Hugh Jones.
Kelmscott 5.2 (32) lost to Coolbinia 8.5 (53)
Photographs – Richard Polden
