HFA Preliminary Final, Chidlow V’s Swan View 3 September 2023 @ Percy Cullen Oval.
Swan View, who were the most improved side in the HFA competition this season after finishing in 3rd position were looking forward to this encounter after defeating Gidgegannup in the first semi-final.
In the first 15 minutes of the first quarter the Swans looked as though they were going to take the game right up to the Chidlow Cougars as they burst out of the blocks to kick the first goal and playing a fast run-on style of footy.
However, the old hands of Chidlow soon steadied the game down and regained their composure to kick the next three goals, to lead the quarter by 15 points. In the second term Chidlow took complete control of the game through their veterans with Adam McKinlay booting 4 goals and marking everything directed to him.
At half time Chidlow led by 52 points and it looked as though the game was over.
Due to a commitment we had to leave the game at that point and missed the Swan’s revival in the third quarter where they kicked 5.4 to get back into the game. Cougars coach Mallaby must have given his team some ‘encouragement’ at three quarter time as they rallied and kicked 5.3 to the Swans 1.1 to win comfortably by 55 points.
They will now face Pickering Brook in the Grand Final on Sunday 10th September to be held at Chidlow oval at 2.30PM.
Pickering Brook will have to be at their best in the Grand Final to beat Chidlow, as they only managed to win in the second semi-final by 5 points with the last kick of the game!
Attention will be needed to stop the Cougars veterans, Reece Forbes, Mick McKinlay and Steve Schorer, who run free to set up Adam McKinlay and Luke Elliott to goal and Matt Mallaby deserves some attention in the mid-field also.
Final scores: Chidlow 14.15 – 99, Swan View 6.8 – 44
Congratulations to Steve Caccetta, veteran rover for the Hawks, Runner up in the HFA Benjamin Seabrook Medal with 32 votes. 1 vote short of the winner!
Steve and John Armstrong with over 100 goals to his credit won the HFA goal kicking award. Both players were outstanding throughout the season and we wish them well in the Grand Final.
Mitch Shilling played his 200th game for the Hawks in the semi-final against Chidlow and would be looking forward to his first Grand Final win with the Hawks.
There has been plenty of disappointments over the seasons for this versatile and consistent player and we congratulate him and wish him success in the forthcoming game.
See this weeks topic for Ben Harffey's final report for the Hawks 2023 season
This page is dedicated to Rod Betts of Barbecue Bazaar, a major sponsor of the Pickering Brook Football Club.
Barbecue Bazaar is the best in the business of outdoor entertaining and is located at: 2/1399 Albany Hwy, Cannington WA 6107
Telephone: (08) 9458 5724 https://www.bbqbazaargc.com.au