Razorbacks defeat Tigers in a game of two halves

Billy Bolch

Coming off the first semi-final loss it was Swinburne up against the elimination final winner Masala. These sides have competed in three close encounters during the season. However, the Razorbacks went in as favourites having won their last meeting only three weeks ago by 20 points. 

It was an even opening to the game with Masala leading at the first break despite having fewer scoring shots. Masala’s Brandon Kelly and Swinburne’s Trent Ryan were both set to have big games with three and two goals respectively in the first quarter alone. The Razorbacks gained the ascendancy during the second term, however weren’t able to fully capitalise but still went into the main change ahead by five points. 

During the Premiership quarter Masala were able to get back the lead after kicking three of the first four goals of the quarter. The Razorbacks halted the Tigers momentum and were quickly able to regain the lead after kicking the final four goals of the quarter to go into the last term with a 19 point lead. 

A tight tussle up until this point, the dam wall was set to burst as the Razorbacks struck first and broke the back of Masala two minutes into the quarter via Aidan Vesty. Swinburne were then able to pile on another seven unanswered goals to blow the lead out to 63 points and move into the Division 4 Grand Final.

Swinburne’s best players include Trent Ryan, Jed Toner and Samuel Hodges. The best players for Masala included Brandon Kelly, Dale Gibb and Riley Shaw. Trent Ryan was a dominant force in front of goal with 8 majors. Aidan Vesty also had a great showing with 4 goals. Tyson Wiegold (2) and Nicholas Schultz (1) were also contributors for the Razorbacks. Goal scorers for the Tigers included Brandon Kelly (3), Buom Koang (2), Ben Nugent (1) and Karanbir Singh (1).

Swinburne now move onto the Grand Final to take on La Trobe who have been the top team all year and have remained on top of the ladder ever since round 11. 

Masala will have mixed feelings as their season comes to an end as although disappointed coming just short to a Grand Final, they were able to make the finals for the first time in club history.