Kade Carey injured his knee but fought on to lead the Warriors forward line in Saturday’s loss to Spotswood. 86875_10 Picture: DAMIAN VISENTINI
By ADEM SARICAOGLU
HOPPERS Crossing missed out on a WRFL division one grand final berth after Spotswood claimed a 48-point win in their preliminary final clash on Saturday.
The Warriors were brave, but the battle-hardened Woodsmen proved too good the longer the game went, coming back from five points down at quarter time to book their place in next week’s decider against Altona.
Two quick Spotswood goals in the opening minutes would have warned Hoppers Crossing things weren’t going to be easy at Avalon Airport Oval, but the Warriors rallied to kick the next four majors with a steady wind at their backs.
Key forward Kade Carey weaved his usual magic inside 50 with two impressive goals early in the second quarter, however with Spotswood’s Jason Cloke rekindling his sense for goals at the other end, the Woodsmen lifted and by halftime were up by 14 points.
Already reeling from easily letting their lead slip, the Warriors’ confidence took another hit when Carey was helped off the ground late in the second quarter with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.
Carey returned to the game in third quarter with his right knee heavily taped but his side looked rattled regardless.
Numerous 50-metre penalties and downfield free kicks gifted the Woodsmen crucial goals during the third quarter, essentially putting the result beyond doubt before three-quarter time.
Hoppers Crossing trailed by 26 at the final change but conceded six final quarter goals that ultimately blew the final margin out to eight goals.
Shortly after speaking to his troops in an extended huddle in the middle of the ground, Warriors’ coach David Mitchell was bullishly upbeat after the game.
“We haven’t been in finals footy for the last couple of years, we’re a young team and we gained a lot out of our finals experience this year,” Mitchell said.
“To their credit and experience, (Spotswood) played out the four quarters and that’s why they won and won well in the end.
“At the end of the day I’m pleased in our boys’ efforts all through the year. It’s just something to build on now.
“We’re looking forward to a big year next year.”
