Jason Cloke booted four goals in Spotswood’s 33-point win over Port Melbourne on Saturday. 86179_11 Picture: MATHEW LYNN
By ADEM SARICAOGLU
SPOTSWOOD will take on Altona for a spot in the WRFL division one grand final on Saturday after beating the Port Melbourne Colts at Avalon Airport Oval over the weekend.
The Woodsmen were incredibly inaccurate throughout the day as they contended with swirling winds, kicking 12.22 (94) to the Colts’ 9.7 (61).
After leading by eight points at quarter time, Spotswood kept Port Melbourne scoreless in the second quarter to extend their lead to 33 by halftime.
Both clubs kicked three goals in the third term, but Spotswood comfortably ensured their lead was never overcome, eventually winning the game by 33 points.
Spotswood football manager Tony Walshe said the Woodsmen dominated the possession game from start to finish.
“I think we had a lot more inside 50s than Port Colts,” Walshe said.
“For some reason, probably swirly winds, we did kick quite a few points and then it gets a little bit contagious and that was the pattern for the day, but we certainly had the footy in our forward 50 a hell of a lot.”
Spotswood’s forward line fired with eight players kicking goals.
Focal point Jason Cloke kicked four with Torin Baker chipping in with two of his own.
Walshe said it was important the Woodsmen continued to spread their goal kicking load as they go deeper into the finals.
“Clokey’s a focus, and we know the other teams like to have a tactic for him, so to spread the goals is always an advantage.
“Good teams like Altona, they have a high spread of goal kickers as well, so it’s good to have more than one avenue to goal.”
With Spotswood picking up no injuries on Saturday, Walshe said they would go into the Altona game at full strength.
“The boys mentally will be looking forward to the challenge again after Altona beat us at their ground. It should be a ripping game. I’d say, it will be one of the games of the year.”
