The Donx have beaten the Badgers to take the A Grade premiership in a close game 58 - 53.
The stage was set and the game matched expectations with energy in the house rising to the occasion.
Boulder A (yellow wood) was strength-based with a co-ordination sequence to start things off. This is playing to the strengths of the Badgers and they took an early lead 19-11.
Boulder B (raw wood) presented a long running dynamic sequence leading into an awkward off-set co-ordination kip to zone 2. Both teams unpacked this sequence well but the Donx clawed back and headed into the half time break trailing the Badgers 35 - 30.
Boulder C (black wood) was a ballistic co-ordination boulder and the Badgers extended their lead to 10 points with one boulder to go.
Boulder D was a surprise technical slab and this is where the tables turned and the Donx took full advantage. The Badgers just couldn't get going in this space and with three tops for the Donx including one flash, they quickly pulled back the deficit. When Cooper Gale topped on the buzzer, the lead extended by 3 points and the trophy was in the bag.
It really was a terrific team effort from the Donx . They came up short in a few moments technically but made up for it with strategy and effective team-work. Fred Eather led the way up front and Cooper Gale performed exceptionally well coming back from injury. Nikala Murray also showed her class and Liam Smith and Lachie Butters both had solid performances. All players carried weight at different times and full credit to the team and their collective squad for a magnificent first A Grade season.
The Badgers will no doubt be disappointed in the result but it simply wasn't their night. The minor premiers probably underperformed by their own standards however this is the nature of sport - anything can happen. Archie Eather and Lachie McNee led the way up front for the Badgers. Whilst Boulder D was problematic, they'll also feel they could have gained more out of some of the other Boulders but there are plenty of what if's in sport.
This is a TEAM SPORT.
The Donx simply played the better game on the night and took home the bacon in 2024.
1 July 2024