2011 AARFL Playoff 5/14/11

Western Bulldogs vs Midtown Bombers

Well, as expected, the Midtown Bombers swept aside the Western Bulldogs to advance to next week’s Grand Final against the Roswell Rebels.

Yesterday, Midtown started strongly and never let up the pressure. Western were hamstrung by missing three experienced players and the early injury to Wayne Kraska.

At the first break, it was Midtown leading Western 4.3 (27) to 1.1 (7).

At the half, Midtown had opened up a 4 goal lead over Western, 6.10 (46) to 3.5 (25).

At the final break, it was Midtown comfortably in the lead 11.16 (82) to 6.7 (43).

The final score line showed Midtown 19.18 (132), comfortable 14 goal winners over Western 7.7 (49).

Next weekend, it will be a replay of last year’s Grand Final, but hopefully (for Midtown’s sake) it won’t be a repeat of the score. Last year, on a wet and soggy field, Roswell ran out comfortable winners.

Midtown look stronger this year with a lot more running players and a more experienced Carson Olsheski kicking goals. Simon Davis kicked 7 goals yesterday and, although nursing some sore legs, is sure to be ready for the big match. Midtown Captain Joey Costyn, who missed the last game against Roswell, will be back and is sure to add vigour to their back line.

Roswell will be pegging their hopes on league goal kicking leader Chris Moerman and the running game of Daniel Searle and Carl Garofalo. All three had big games in last year’s Grand Final and have impressed all this year with their passing and goal scoring. A lot depends on Moerman. He kicked half of Roswell’s goals this year and that’s putting a lot of eggs in the one basket. Roswell kicked 36 more goals than Midtown during the year which shows the strength of their firepower.

For Midtown to win, they have to stop Moerman (or at least keep him to single digits in goals kicked). The rucks will be even, with Midtown’s Russ Barner going up against either James Noonan or Roswell Captain Mick Frost. Defenses will be strong for both teams. Roswell’s Eric Baker plays huge against all opponents and Dean Morfitt for Midtown will match him.

Having watched both teams play during the just completed season, especially the last regular game, this pundit is picking Roswell to repeat as AARFL Champions. Their all-round game, with quality players at every position, gives them edge. Anyway, with lots of new faces on both teams, I don’t think we’ll see the same rout as we saw last year.

Best players from yesterday:

Western: Evans, Grist, Kraska, Medders, Bowdler, Mitchell

Midtown: Davis, C. Jones, Trombley, Morfitt, Sidabras, Cain

Goal Kickers:

Western: Grist 2, Rosenfield 2, Evans 1, Trujillo 1, Kraska 1

Midtown: Davis 7, Sidabras 3, Olsheski 2, C. Jones 2, Deloach 2, Trombley 1, Gross 1, Cain 1