Sport
17 May, 2022
Simpson outclassed by Alvie
SIMPSON Tigers fell to Colac and District Football League (CDFL) powerhouse Alvie last Saturday, going down 6.10 (46) to 14.10 (94).
SIMPSON Tigers fell to Colac and District Football League (CDFL) powerhouse Alvie last Saturday, going down 6.10 (46) to 14.10 (94).
Simpson was ambushed by the Swans in the first quarter, Alvie kicking six goals to none with a significant wind advantage to set the tone for the match.
The Tigers fought on through the entirety of the game, outscoring Alvie in both quarters when they had the breeze, but could never get within striking distance after the Swans’ first-quarter barrage.
2022 recruit Rhys Ziegelaar continued his good form, kicking two goals for the Tigers, with Angus Hawkes, Nicholas Harding, Jono Jennings and 200-gamer Tomas Lindquist all contributing a goal.
Jack Hookway was a stalwart in defence on a difficult day for Simpson’s back six, picking up his coach’s nomination for best on ground, while Brock Neal was also in the votes for his work in the midfield and up forward.
Simpson coach Daniel Beard said while his players had lessons to learn from the game, his side was simply outplayed by an excellent team in top form.
“Talking to (Alvie coach) Joe Dare after the game, he was quite open in saying that’s the best they’ve played in a long time,” Beard said.
“They really shot out of the blocks and played really, really good footy. They simply outclassed us."
“Once you’re behind Alvie their attacking footy allows them to take chances."
“And when that comes off for them it just extends their lead, so you’re always playing catch-up.”
Beard congratulated Tomas Leishman’s achievement, saying the midfielder had demonstrated his career-long attitude on a difficult day for the Tigers.
“Tom’s one of those that gives 100 percent every time he goes out there,” he said.
“He never gives up. He’s a very good player and an even better person.”
The Tigers travel this week to face Otway Districts, and Beard said though it was early in the season, this kind of match-up was a must-win for his side.
“I want to see the boys win. If we’re going to get to where we want to be we’ve got to win these games against the other sides around us,” he said.
“I think any side below the top two (Alvie and South Colac) can literally beat anyone on their day."
“Otway’s scores have been very competitive against other teams, so I expect it’ll be a pretty tough match."
“We have to set ourselves up to beat the other sides around us below the top two.”
In other CDFL games, Lorne won away against Birregurra, Colac Imperials defeated Otway Districts, South Colac and Irrewarra-Beeac drew 64-all, and Apollo Bay beat Western Eagles.