UPDATE: In a thrilling qualifying final at Sandy Creek, the Barnawartha Tigers unleashed a spectacular seven-goal final quarter to crush the Chiltern Swans by 39 points on September 30, 2023. The match, played under perfect conditions, saw the Tigers surge to a final score of 12.11 (83) against the Swans’ 6.8 (44), marking a pivotal moment in their finals campaign.
The first three quarters were tightly contested, with both teams struggling to convert opportunities into goals. The Tigers led narrowly at 5.10 to 5.6 when the final term began, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown. The Swans, aiming for their fourth consecutive grand final, struck first with a goal from Bodie Hibberson just two minutes into the last quarter, giving them a brief lead.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically. Tigers’ forward Jarrad Farwell reclaimed the lead with a stunning goal from 40 meters, followed by Matt Dalbosco extending the advantage to nine points after capitalizing on Chiltern’s defensive errors. Young midfielder Kaiden Withers then delivered a crucial blow with a long-range goal from 50 meters, igniting the Tigers’ explosive final term.
The Tigers’ onslaught continued as they piled on three more goals from Sam Johnson, Tom Carter, and Oscar Willding, with Willding sealing the victory with a cheeky ‘good night, Swans’ gesture that electrified the Tiger supporters.
This loss proved costly for the Swans, as prized recruit Brayden O’Hara suffered a calf injury early in the match. He was unable to return, and reports suggest his season may be over, jeopardizing Chiltern’s hopes of advancing further in the finals.
Despite missing key player Jack Chesser due to illness, the Tigers’ defense was a fortress, with captain Brad Dalbosco excelling in intercepts and limiting the Swans to a meager six goals. Will Prichard and Lachie Walker also played pivotal roles in the backline, stifling Chiltern’s offensive efforts.
Tigers coach Adam Mudra expressed pride in his team’s resilience, stating, “There were plenty of momentum swings during the first three quarters… Once the game did open up in that last quarter, we made the most of that.” He emphasized the importance of exploiting space, especially with a young, dynamic forward line ready to capitalize on opportunities.
As the Tigers celebrate this monumental victory, they have proven their capability to rise to the occasion, ready to face future challenges head-on.
Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching the next rounds of the finals, especially in light of Chiltern’s setback and the Tigers’ newfound momentum. The stage is set for an electrifying finals series as the Tigers look to build on this momentum.
