Sport
13 August, 2025
Heavy loss for Tigers
SIMPSON’S senior footballers suffered another heavy loss on Saturday, going down by 99 points to Colac Imperials at the Simpson Recreation Reserve.
The second placed Imperials team dominated every quarter in its 22.21.153 to 8.6.54 win.
“Imperials are young and quick, they play an exciting game and capitalised on our turnovers,” Simpson coach Damien Pemberton said.
“(Imperials coach) Bailey Scott was a standout, he’s probably the most damaging player in the competition that I have seen.”
Big man Noah Ackerley was Simpson’s best in the loss.
“Noah came back from overseas mid-season and has been exceptional as a key player, he’s been mainly playing ruck but when he goes forward he is damaging with a great set of hands,” Pemberton said.
“I would love to have him play more forward but he gives our mids first use in the middle when he is rucking."
Teenager Bodhi Crole was also a key performer for the Tigers.
“Bodhi has probably been one of our most improved youngsters, he just turned 18 on the weekend, has been playing across our back line, generally taking some of the better forwards.
“His game on the weekend saw him take it up another step, he has definitely proved he’s a senior footballer and will be an exciting player to watch in years to come.”
Pemberton also had praise for Jayden Rooke.
“Jayden just gives everything, not just on the ground playing football, he’s a great clubman, first to put his hand up to help where he can. He has mainly played midfield this year and adds the tough in and under aspect to our game.”
Veteran spearhead Nick Harding was the Tigers only multiple goalkicker with two.
This week the Tigers host sixth placed South Colac at the Simpson Recreation Reserve.
In the reserves, Colac Imperials scored a 22 point win, 10.7.67 to 7.3.45.
Darcy Thorburn, Brodie Neale and Jayden McVilly were Simpson’s best in the loss, with Neale kicking three goals.
In the under 18s, Colac Imperials had a dominant 18.25.133 to no score win.
Darcy Hutton, Blake Ferrari and Nate Sambell were Simpson’s best.
In the under 15 football, Colac Imperials took the points in a close game with a 3.8.26 to 3.3.21 win.
Jyda Randle, Ben Vogels and Lucas Woolstencroft were best for the Tigers.
The Tigers goals were kicked by Jed Spokes, Orson Capizzi and Kaiden Teal.
The under 12 game saw Colac Imperials have a 11.2.68 to 3.2.20 win.
Goals for the junior Tigers came from Kade Mason, Joshua Vines and Ravi Mason.
In the A grade netball, Simpson lost 56-42 to the second placed Colac Imperials.
“Before the game I said to the team we knew we were up for a tough game against Imps,” Simpson coach Emily Duynhoven said.
“We just wanted to play the hardest netball we could, play it well and have a crack.”
Now out of finals contention, Duynhoven was pleased with the efforts of her troops.
“We played a brilliant game, the score didn’t reflect how well we banded together and had a crack.
“Super happy with the effort, everyone had a real go.”
After an even first quarter, the Imperials got out to a 13 goal lead at the main break.
The Tigers outscored the Cats 11 to eight in the third quarter before the visitors finished strongly.
“We really kept fighting and got back within six goals in the third quarter,” Duynhoven said.
“We chased everything we could and they got a bit rattled. We made some errors in the last quarter but we fought it out until the end.”
Eliza Duynhoven was best for Simpson and top scored with 23 goals.
“Eliza has been dominant under the ring all season, she’s a tall presence and stands her ground.
“Big credit to her, she travels from Geelong to training and games and enjoys every minute of it.”
Holly Duynhoven and Melissa Drayton were also in the Tigers best.
“Holly has had a really good season, as goal keeper she stuck tight, played their goal shooter like a glove and didn’t make it easy for them to pass into the ring.
“Melissa has come up from B grade, she just has a crack, we put her on the court and it’s seamless; she’s strong, drives us forward and passes into the ring really well. “
This week Simpson take on fifth place South Colac.
“It’s always tough against South Colac, last time we had a great win against them but they've had some players come back.
“While we can’t make it, we will look to do some damage to those top teams who have plenty to play for in the next two weeks.”
Colac Imperials got the points in the B grade netball with a 40-30 win.
Best for Simpson were Tahlia Daniels, Carol Arndell and Melissa Drayton, with Drayton scoring 17 goals and Brianna Gass 13.
Colac Imperials had a 40-35 win in the C grade game.
Best for Simpson were Rachael Duynhoven, Casey Tesselaar and Hayley Weel, with Kayla Hallyburton scoring 20 goals and Duynhoven 15.
In D grade, the Imperials had a 39-27 win.
Best for the Tigers were Leesa Seabrook, Lisa Arndell and Kustom Robertson, with Robertson shooting 19 goals.
The 17 and under match saw Colac Imperials have a 51-20 win.
Esha Crole, Olivia Rhode and Shayla Daniels were Simpson’s best, with Kaylee Jansen scoring 10 goals.
Colac Imperials scored a 39-35 win in the 15 and under netball.
Kustom Robertson scored 22 goals and Tyra Sambell seven, with both players named in the Tigers best along with Milah Crole.
Colac Imperials got the points in the 13 and under game with a 52-10 win.
Kensie Austin, Peyton Robertson and Nyha Ford were Simpson’s best, with Mia Arndell scoring four goals.
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