Sport
14 August, 2023
Hoppers’ big win leaves Talbot clinging on
TALBOT 6.6 (42) def by NAVARRE 19.12 (126) Talbot’s finals chances hold on by a thread, losing by 84 points to Navarre. Ironically, the Hawks will most likely be calling upon the Hoppers to help them in their bid to play finals football next week...
TALBOT 6.6 (42) def by NAVARRE 19.12 (126)
Talbot’s finals chances hold on by a thread, losing by 84 points to Navarre.
Ironically, the Hawks will most likely be calling upon the Hoppers to help them in their bid to play finals football next week, needing them to take a solid victory over Newstead, while looking to play party poopers themselves in Royal Park’s emotional final game.
Nevertheless, the Hoppers weren’t in the mood to keep Talbot in the fray, much like in round two. They kicked six goals to nil in the opening term to open up a 39-point lead right off the bat.
Talbot, to their credit, had their best quarter of the day when they were able to score four goals and get on the board, but realistically, they had far too much to do, and it didn’t help their cause that Navarre added five goals of their own to extend the margin to 43 points at the main break.
Navarre had many opportunities to extend their lead in the third term, but could only manage four goals from 11 scoring shots. Regardless, by holding the Hawks to a solitary goal, they were able to extend their lead to 68 points at the final change.
Another four goals to one saw the Hoppers take a very comfortable victory.
Billy Hawkes was best on ground, joined by Josh Fowkes, Louis Hannett, Wil Clough, Cody Driscoll — who kicked six goals — and David Kirtley.
The Hawks will need to pack calculators on top of their best football next week, provided the Hoppers get it done over Newstead, although they will also need to avoid such a slow start again next week. Zach Graham, Matthew York, Jude McGuire, Jayson Atkins, Daniel Beaumont and Lachlan Ratcliff were named in their best.