Round 14 of the Lower South West Football League could prove to be the defining round of season 2016 where the contenders were separated from the pretenders.
The Deanmill Hawks have shown glimpses of last year’s premiership winning form all year but have been left wanting for that final five per cent in a few crunch games.
But this was not the case against the top-of-the-table Imperial Magpies on Sunday.
The Hawks put in a commanding performance that included six goals to dominant forward Brynn Francis.
Deanmill led by three goals at half time and while the margin was relatively unchanged in the third, they kicked another three goals clear in the fourth quarter.
By the final siren they had prevailed 14.8.92 to 8.10.58.
The loss is only Imperials second of the year and a result they will not be keen to repeat in a hurry with the finals fast approaching.
Southerners have also firmed as a legitimate finals threat with a thumping point defeat of Bridgetown on Saturday.
The Bulldogs were missing a few key players and were completely overrun by a Southerners side keen to stamp their authority on the competition.
Southerners nailed 50 points in the first quarter and led 11 goals to one at the main break.
Twelve unanswered goals in the final term blew the end result out to 28.16.184 to 2.5.17.
Jordan Aitken had a great day out for Southerners with eight goals while Leigh Scaini cashed in with six goals and Brett Dobson nailed five.
The game was also significant for the NAIDOC week celebrations held before the league teams took to the field. Well done to everyone involved.
The final game of the round saw Kojonup secure victory over Boyup Brook.
The Roos put in a great second quarter to trail by just three points at half time but by the end of the match, the Cougars had kicked away to triumph 15.17.107 to 7.9.51.
Lee Lucev kicked six goals for Kojonup while Isaac Wedderburn kicked two for Boyup Brook.
With three rounds of the regular season to go, Imperials have nine wins from 11 games while Southerners have eight from 12 and Deanmill have eight from 11. Bridgetown rounds out the top four with seven wins from 11 games.
This Saturday, Deanmill host Boyup Brook, Tigers host Kojonup and Bridgetown host Imperials in a game that promises a lot with both teams looking for redemption.
To see more photos from the clash between Bridgetown and Southerners visit donnybrookmail.com.au
Andrew Elstermann
Email: andrew.elstermann@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Email: andrew.elstermann@fairfaxmedia.com.au
