Redland Bombers NEAFL report

After an even first half, the third quarter saw irreparable damage done to the away side, 10 goals to zero proving the fatal blow with the 26.17.173 to 6.10.46 result officially knocking the Bombers out of finals contention.

Sydney started in ominous form with the opening seven goals of the match, their relentless pressure stifling the Bombers’ tactics as it has to so many sides this year. The wildcard of Aliir Aliir in the ruck has become an important approach for the Swans ahead of finals, and it was employed again against Redland. As the Bombers settled into the match, their efficiency did improve, and they began to even the balance of scoring shots. Unfortunately, they could not capitalise, opening their day with four behinds. While Redland’s offensive obstinacy was admirable, their midfield resistance was not nearly enough, the Bloods moving the ball through the centre of the ground with ease.

The teams started the second quarter in similar fashion to the first, on a fairly even keel, the momentum there to be won by either side, and it was the Bombers who opened the scoring, kicking their first of the day. Redland looked to have arrested the momentum generated by their opposition in the first quarter, but agonising errors kept the red and white at arms length in an extremely even quarter. Sydney academy member Jack Hardman impressed in what was likely his final opportunity to book a place in the team for finals with two crafty opening half goals.

In a quarter that threatened to get away from them early on, the Swans reacted impressively, winning the term largely against the run of play, four goals to two. At half-time, it was the Bloods by 55. As they so frequently do, the red and white came out of the break the far more classy and composed of the two sides, as they started to dry up almost all of their opposition’s scoring shots.

Aliir’s utility value had been evident all day, enjoying stints on the ball and up forward. Two goals to start the third quarter showed how important he will be in the finals for the ladder-leaders. Things got ugly for the Bombers, who failed to score at all for the quarter in reply to Sydney’s 10 majors. At three-quarter time, the margin stood at 119.

Seconds into the last quarter, the Swans had added yet another major, the home side making every indication there would be no letup. Redland did manage a handful of goals in the last term. The Bombers battled admirably in the closing stages, losing the stanza by only eight points.